Bensüülhape

Bensüülhape, also known as benzoic acid, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₅CO₂H. It is a simple aromatic carboxylic acid and appears as a white crystalline solid. It is sparingly soluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents.

Historically, benzoic acid was obtained from gum benzoin, a resin produced by several species of trees, which is where its name originates. Today, it is primarily produced synthetically through the oxidation of toluene or by the hydrolysis of benzotrichloride.

Benzoic acid and its derivatives are widely used in various industries. It serves as a precursor to many other organic compounds, particularly in the production of plasticizers, perfumes, and dyes. In the food industry, benzoic acid and its salts, such as sodium benzoate, are commonly employed as preservatives due to their antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is also used in pharmaceuticals and in the production of pyrotechnics.