Benzoic Acid

About This Product

Benzoic acid, the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid, has the formula C7H6O2 and CAS number 65-85-0. It is produced by the partial oxidation of toluene and supplied as white crystals, flakes or a molten bulk liquid. In the chemical industry its significance is as a building block. Oxidative decarboxylation converts it to phenol, and it is an intermediate in one commercial route to caprolactam, the monomer for nylon 6. Esterifying it with glycols gives the benzoate plasticisers used in vinyl flooring, adhesives and sealants, which are valued as non-phthalate alternatives with high solvating power. In alkyd resin manufacture it acts as a chain stopper, capping the growing polyester chain to control molecular weight and improve gloss and drying. Its other industrial role is corrosion inhibition: benzoate adsorbs onto steel and passivates it, and sodium benzoate is dosed into engine coolants and hydraulic fluids for that purpose. In these applications the property that matters is the aromatic ring and the carboxyl group, not the antimicrobial activity that defines its food use. It is used in phenol and caprolactam manufacture, benzoate plasticisers, alkyd resins, corrosion inhibitors, dye intermediates and rubber processing. Bio Green Chem supplies benzoic acid to specification on assay, melting range, chlorinated compounds, sulfated ash, colour and heavy metals.