C7H5NO3

C7H5NO3 is the molecular formula for several chemical compounds, most notably nitrobenzoic acid. There are three isomers of nitrobenzoic acid, distinguished by the position of the nitro group (-NO2) relative to the carboxyl group (-COOH) on the benzene ring. These are ortho-nitrobenzoic acid, meta-nitrobenzoic acid, and para-nitrobenzoic acid.

Ortho-nitrobenzoic acid (2-nitrobenzoic acid) is a yellow crystalline solid. It is sparingly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents. This isomer can be synthesized through the oxidation of 2-nitrotoluene. It finds applications in the synthesis of dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Meta-nitrobenzoic acid (3-nitrobenzoic acid) is also a crystalline solid, typically pale yellow. It exhibits similar solubility characteristics to its ortho isomer. Meta-nitrobenzoic acid is commonly prepared by the nitration of benzoic acid. Its uses include being an intermediate in the production of various organic chemicals.

Para-nitrobenzoic acid (4-nitrobenzoic acid) is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid. It is more soluble in hot water than in cold. This isomer is often produced by the oxidation of p-nitrotoluene. Para-nitrobenzoic acid is a precursor in the synthesis of certain dyes and in the production of anesthetics like procaine.

All three isomers of nitrobenzoic acid are important organic intermediates, playing a role in the synthesis of more complex molecules for various industrial and research purposes. Their physical and chemical properties vary slightly due to the positional isomerism of the nitro group on the benzene ring.