C6H5CHOHCOO

C6H5CHOHCOO is a molecular formula that can correspond to an organic ester in the phenyl glycolate family. The most straightforward structural interpretation associated with this formula is the phenyl glycolate arrangement, represented as Ph-O-CH2-COOH, where a phenyl group is linked through an oxygen atom to a hydroxyacetate unit. Because a single formula can map to multiple connectivity patterns, C6H5CHOHCOO does not uniquely specify one structure without further specification of the bonding arrangement.

In common usage, this formula is tied to phenyl glycolate, an ester formed from glycolic acid and phenol. Such esters can be viewed as derivatives of glycolic acid where the carboxyl group is esterified with phenol. This class of compounds is of interest in organic synthesis as a building block and can serve as an intermediate in the preparation of fragrances, polymers, or other fine chemicals.

Properties typically associated with phenyl glycolate-like compounds include a molecular weight around 152 g/mol (calculated for C8H8O3), the presence of both an ester carbonyl group and a carboxylic acid (in the unesterified form), and characteristic infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance signals arising from the ester linkage and the carboxyl group. Physical properties such as volatility, solubility, and the exact melting or boiling point depend on the precise isomer and purification.

Safety and handling follow standard practices for esters and carboxylic acids. As with many organic esters, proper ventilation and avoidance of ignition sources are advised.

Note: Several structural isomers with the same empirical formula C8H8O3 are possible; the connectivity implied by C6H5CHOHCOO should be clarified to specify a single compound.