Description
Benzoic acid is a white crystalline solid with the chemical formula C7H6O2. It occurs naturally in many plants and is a common food preservative. Benzoic acid is soluble in alcohol and slightly soluble in water. It is often used in the production of various chemicals, including phenol, caprolactam, and benzoyl chloride. Additionally, it has applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, where it is used as a preservative and an antifungal agent.