Applications

• Precursor to plasticisers
• Precursor to sodium benzoate and related preservatives
• Medicinal
• Benzoyl chloride
• Niche and laboratory uses

General

Benzoic acid, C7H6O2 (or C6H5COOH), is a colourless crystalline solid and a simple aromatic carboxylic acid. The name is derived from gum benzoin, which was for a long time it's only known source. Benzoic acid occurs naturally in many plants and it serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites. Salts of benzoic acid are used as food preservatives and benzoic acid is an important precursor for the industrial synthesis of many other organic substances. The salts and esters of benzoic acid are known as benzoates.

Specification

• Minimum Assay: 99.5-100.5%
• Molecular Formula: C7H6O2
• Molecular Weight: 122.12
• Solubility in water (% weight): 2.9 g/l at 25 C
• Boiling Point: 249 C
• Flash Point: 121 C
• Density (g/cm3): 1.32
• Melting Point: 122.5 C
• Substance insoluble in methanol: <0.005%
• Sulphated Ash: <0.004%
• Chloride (Cl): <0.0008%
• Sulphate (SO4): <0.002%
• Iron (Fe): <0.00004%
• Heavy Metals (Pb): 0.00005%
• Substance reducing permanganate (O): <0.01%
• Halogenated compounds (as Cl): 0.0095%
• Sulphur compounds (as S): 0.0012%
• Oxidizable matter: Passes test
• Readily carbonisable substances: Passes test

Hazards

Hazard Phrases: Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye damage. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure .

Prec Phrases: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.