benzoic

[Eng. benzo(in); -ic.] Pertaining to benzoin, existing in benzoin. benzoic acid, s. Chemistry: C7H6O2 or C6H5. CO.OH. It is called also phenyl formic acid . It is obtained by oxidation of benzylic alcohol by aqueous chromic acid; by oxidation of benzoic aldehyde, methyl-benzene, .; from benzene by acting on its vapour by carbonyl chloride, which converts it into benzoyl chloride, and decomposing this substance by water; by boiling hippuric acid with HCl; or by heating the calcium salt of phthalic acid with lime. Benzoic acid exists in a large quantity in gum-benzoin, from which it is obtained by sublimation. Benzoic acid is a monobasic aromatic acid; its salts are called benzoates, and are soluble, except the basic ferric salt. Calcium benzoate by dry distillation is resolved into calcium carbonate and benzophenone. But dry benzoic acid distilled with exce of quicklime is decomposed into carbonic dioxide and benzene. Benzoic acid has a slight smell when warmed; it melts at 121°, boils at 250°. It di olves in 200 parts of cold and in 25 parts of boiling water, and also in alcohol It forms light, feathery, colourle crystals.