C6H5CH2COOH

C6H5CH2COOH is the chemical formula for phenylacetic acid. It is a carboxylic acid with the formula C6H5CH2COOH. Phenylacetic acid is a white solid at room temperature. It has a characteristic odor, sometimes described as honey-like.

Phenylacetic acid is an organic compound that occurs naturally in some plants and animal secretions. It can be found in fruits such as apples and in the saliva of some animals. Industrially, it is synthesized through various chemical routes, including the hydrolysis of benzyl cyanide.

In terms of its chemical properties, phenylacetic acid exhibits the typical reactivity of carboxylic acids. It can undergo esterification reactions, forming phenylacetate esters. It can also react with bases to form salts. The presence of the phenyl group (C6H5) attached to the acetic acid moiety (CH2COOH) influences its solubility and reactivity. It is moderately soluble in water and soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether.

Phenylacetic acid has a range of applications. It is used as a precursor in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and other organic chemicals. For example, it is an intermediate in the production of penicillin G. It is also used as a plant hormone. In some contexts, it has been used as a food additive, though its use is regulated. It is important to note that phenylacetic acid is also a precursor in the illicit synthesis of amphetamines, which has led to its control in many jurisdictions.