benzoic acid

American  

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble powder, C 7 H 6 O 2 , 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.

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benzoic acid British  

noun

1. Systematic name: benzenecarboxylic 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

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benzoic acid Scientific  

/ bĕn-zō′ĭk /

1. 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: C ₇ H ₆ O ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of benzoic acid

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

Similarly, a compound called benzoic acid naturally found in cranberries adds to the fruit's sourness.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2024

It was recalled due to an excessive amount of benzoic acid - a common preservative used in food and drinks.

From BBC • May 25, 2023

So they did all kinds of just really organic research and ended up settling on benzoic acid as the organic acid that was the most satisfying.

From The Verge • Jun. 29, 2021

Toluene, C6H5CH3, is oxidized by air under carefully controlled conditions to benzoic acid, C6H5CO2H, which is used to prepare the food preservative sodium benzoate, C6H5CO2Na.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

It crystallizes in rhombic prisms which are readily soluble in hot water, melt at 187� C. and decompose at about 240� C. It is readily hydrolysed by hot caustic alkalis to benzoic acid and glycocoll.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 "Hinduism" to "Home, Earls of" by Various