Benzoic acid is an organic chemical compound and the structurally simplest member of the aromatic carboxylic acid group. In detail, the molecule consists of a benzene ring substituted with an acidic group – the carboxyl group. Its salts and esters are called benzoates.
Systematic name
Benzenecarboxylic acid
Other names, synonyms
Carboxybenzene; Dracylic acid; Phenylmethanoic acid
Abbreviation
BzOH
INCI name
BENZOIC ACID
Latin name
Acidum benzoicum
Molecular formula and structural formula of Benzoic acid:
C7H6O2
Mr = 122.123 g/mol
Benzenecarboxylic acid
SMILES: C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)O
In its pure state, benzoic acid exists as a colorless solid - shiny flakes or needle-shaped crystals - with a characteristic odor.
Calculated NMR spectrum (Predict Spectra via NMRDB)
1H NMR Spektrum, 13C NMR Spektrum.
Mass-related elemental composition and isotope proportions of the compound Benzoic acid - C7H6O2 - calculated based on molecular mass.
*) The third column lists the atomic masses or isotope masses of the elements involved and - in square brackets - the natural isotope composition.
The molar mass is M = 122.123 grams per mole.
The amount of substance in one kilogram of the substance is n = 8.188 mol.
The amount of substance in one gram of the substance is n = 0.008 mol.
Monoisotopic mass: 122.0367794312 Da - related to 12C71H616O2.
The industrial synthesis of benzoic acid is carried out by partial oxidation of toluene with oxygen with the release of water and in the presence of suitable catalysts (naphthenates of cobalt or manganese; in the gas phase: vanadium pentoxide).
Latin name: Acidum benzoicum.
For detailed information on the active ingredient, see: DrugBank DB03793.
INCI Name: BENZOIC ACID
Benzoic acid is an ingredient in cosmetic products, functioning as a fragrance, pH-regulating and preservative substance.
Source: CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database) number: 32134.
FEMA flavor profile: Spicy, sour.
EU regulations: See food flavors database Ref.-Nr. 4245 (EU Food Flavourings Database).
Benzoic acid possesses properties as a herbicide, fungicide and insecticide and is a known degradation product of the pesticide bromoxynil.
Status der EU-Zulassung: Siehe EU Pestizid-Datenbank ID 455.
(General information without guarantee of accuracy and completeness! The information does not replace the chemical safety data sheet or a risk assessment, but rather provides a general overview of the risk posed by the hazardous substance.
Signal word: Danger
GHS hazard statements (H phrases):
LD50 (rat, oral): 1700 mg/kg.
Labeling in the EU: See ECHA Substance Infocard 100.000.562.
For toxicology and occupational safety when handling Benzoic acid as well as measures to be taken in case of danger, see: Hazardous Substances Information System GESTIS, ZVG-Nr. 022810.
International Chemical Safety Card ICSC (SDS, MSDS): See ICSC: 0103.
Note: The labeling requirement according to the CLP Regulation (EU) does not apply, among other things, to certain substances and mixtures for end users that are in the form of finished products, such as pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, cosmetics, certain medical products and medical devices, food or feed, as well as certain Food additives or flavorings. Special legal regulations may need to be adhered to here.
Benzoic acid as a commercial product from internationally active suppliers and search for analogues see: ZINC000000001011.
The table below lists producers and suppliers of Benzoic acid as a commercial chemical for laboratories, research, industry and production with the corresponding contact details.
[0] - Specialist and research articles in scientific journals via PubMed: Benzoic_acid.
Last update: 2026-02-11
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