benzoic acid
a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble powder, C7H6O2, usually derived from benzoin or other balsams, or synthesized from phthalic acid or toluene: used chiefly as a preservative, in the synthesis of dyes, and in medicine as a germicide.
Origin of benzoic acid
1- Also called benzenecarboxylic acid, phenylformic acid.
Words Nearby benzoic acid
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use benzoic acid in a sentence
Organic molecules, like benzoic acid, are particularly good indicators of biosignatures, which are chemicals that could have come from past life on Mars.
Curiosity found a new organic molecule on Mars | Margo Milanowski | November 2, 2021 | Popular-ScienceOf the former, salt and sugar are examples; of the latter, formaldehyde and possibly benzoic acid.
A Civic Biology | George William HunterIt differs from that of China, and from the true balsams, in not containing benzoic acid.
If the surface of the liquid immediately becomes red, benzoic acid is present.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants | Edwin M. BruceA white flocculent precipitate shows the presence of considerable benzoic acid.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants | Edwin M. Bruce
If a red color appears immediately on the surface, it shows the presence of benzoic acid.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants | Edwin M. Bruce
British Dictionary definitions for benzoic acid
a white crystalline solid occurring in many natural resins, used in the manufacture of benzoates, plasticizers, and dyes and as a food preservative (E210). Formula: C 6 H 5 COOH: Systematic name: benzenecarboxylic acid
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for benzoic acid
[ bĕn-zō′ĭk ]
A white, crystalline acid used in preserving food, as a cosmetic, and in medicine. Benzoic acid consists of a benzene ring with a carboxyl group (COOH) attached. It occurs naturally in some plants. Chemical formula: C7H6O2.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse