phenylacetic acid

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white crystalline, aromatic acid, C 8 H 8 O 2 , used in the manufacture of penicillin and in perfumes.

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Etymology

Origin of phenylacetic acid

First recorded in 1875–80; phenyl + acetic acid

Example Sentences

There are numerous other ways in which phenylacetic acid has been formed, but none of them is of practical importance for its preparation.

From Organic Syntheses by Conant, James Bryant

The mixture should be stirred so that a solid cake is not formed; the phenylacetic acid is then filtered off.

From Organic Syntheses by Conant, James Bryant

For the preparation of small quantities of phenylacetic acid, it is convenient to use the modified method given in the Notes.

From Organic Syntheses by Conant, James Bryant

As the fraction which is returned to the second run of material contains a considerable portion of phenylacetic acid, the yield actually amounts to at least 80 per cent.

From Organic Syntheses by Conant, James Bryant

The phenylacetic acid may also be made by boiling under a reflux condenser for eight to fifteen hours, without a stirrer, but this method is not nearly so satisfactory as that described in the procedure.

From Organic Syntheses by Conant, James Bryant