Description
TCC’s Benzoic Acid is a colorless crystalline solid that is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid. Its chemical formula is C6H5COOH. Benzoic acid is soluble in water, alcohol, benzene, and ether. Its aqua solution is weakly acidic. It is non-toxic and stable under ordinary conditions.
Benzoic acid occurs naturally in many plants and resins. It is also detected in animals. The organic compound is an important precursor for the synthesis of many other organic substances. The salts and esters of benzoic acid are known as benzoates. Its salts are used as a food preservative.
Benzoic acid is produced commercially by partial oxidation of toluene with oxygen. The process is catalyzed by cobalt or manganese naphthenates. The process uses cheap raw materials proceeds in high yield, and is considered environmentally green.
U.S. production capacity is estimated to be 139,000 tons per year, much of which is consumed domestically to prepare other industrial chemicals.