Preservation chemistry
Benzoic acid and benzoates are used in preservation contexts. [3]
01
THE ESSENTIALS
Benzoic Acid in 30 Seconds
The ring is the main framework; the –COOH group provides the acidic proton. Benzoic acid has one carboxyl group, rather than two acidic ends.
Benzoic acid joins one carboxyl group to a benzene ring. This aromatic structure distinguishes it from small aliphatic acids and connects it to benzoate and benzoyl chemistry. [1] [3]
A condensed structural formula keeps the functional groups visible. [1]
Synthesis intermediates
A starting material for benzoate esters and other specified aromatic intermediates.. [3]
Analytical reference work
Some analytical procedures use benzoic acid. [3]
Commercial availability
The supplier section separates package size, assay, grade, and market context for three named products. [4]
02
GO A LITTLE DEEPER
Understanding Benzoic Acid
THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
The functional groups
The ring is the main framework; the –COOH group provides the acidic proton. Benzoic acid has one carboxyl group, rather than two acidic ends. [1]
A LITTLE DEEPER
What the structure changes
A benzene ring is an aromatic carbon framework. Salicylic acid adds a hydroxyl next to the carboxyl group, while mandelic acid places an additional carbon between the ring and the carboxyl group. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Technical detail Identity, dissociation & specification
Benzoate is the conjugate base of benzoic acid. Free acid, sodium benzoate, and benzoate esters are distinct chemical forms. The rounded aqueous pKa is a reference near 25 °C; compiled reports vary with conditions. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6]
Acid–base reference values describe equilibria under specified conditions. They are not a substitute for a validated formulation or an assay on the purchased lot.
03
MAKE THE CONNECTION
How Benzoic Acid Compares
Similar names and functional groups do not mean interchangeable chemicals.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Benzoic Acid vs Salicylic Acid
Aromatic monocarboxylic acid
versusAromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid
Fixed comparison for this prototype. Acid selectors are disabled; additional comparisons are coming later.
| Property | Benzoic Acid | Salicylic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₇H₆O₂ [1] | C₇H₆O₃ [7] |
| Molecular weight | 122.12 g/mol [1] | 138.12 g/mol [7] |
| Carbon atoms | 7 [1] | 7 [7] |
| Carboxyl groups | 1 [1] | 1 [7] |
| Structure | C₆H₅–COOH [1] | 2-HO–C₆H₄–COOH [7] |
| Chemical family | Aromatic monocarboxylic acid [1] | Aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid [7] |
| Identity focus | Solid [1] | Solid [7] |
| pKa context | ≈4.2 (25 °C) [2] | 2.98 (carboxyl, 20 °C) [10] |
Chemical identities are compared here; supplier grades, concentrations, and stereochemical specifications are separate purchasing attributes. pKa values retain their stated conditions; no quantitative solubility ranking is implied.
When Might You Choose One Instead of the Other?
Use benzoic acid for a specified benzoate or benzoyl route. A salicylic-acid route needs the hydroxyl-bearing starting material. A preservation formulation needs a validated specification and operating pH; a laboratory assay alone does not establish suitability. [1] [3] [7]
Specified starting material
Benzoic Acid
Match C₆H₅–COOH and the method’s required chemical form.
Salicylic Acid
Match 2-HO–C₆H₄–COOH; verify the identity before substituting a related acid.
Before choosing: match the reaction or formulation, then verify the exact form, grade, assay basis, and impurities. These contexts do not establish suitability for an industrial or regulated application.
04
FROM STRUCTURE TO APPLICATION
What Is Benzoic Acid Used For?
Preservation chemistry
Benzoic acid and benzoates are used in preservation contexts. The free acid and salts differ, and application specifications must be checked. [3]
Synthesis intermediates
A starting material for benzoate esters and other specified aromatic intermediates. [3]
Analytical reference work
Some analytical procedures use benzoic acid. Ordinary ACS reagent should not be described as a certified reference material without a matching certificate. [3]
06
SOURCE WITH CONTEXT
Benzoic Acid Suppliers
Compare specific products and package options. Listings are not ranked recommendations.
3 suppliers · 3 products · 6 package listingsLatest supplier check: October 3, 2026
Package sizes stay grouped under the supplier product. Assay methods, product forms, and regional markets remain visible. Distinguish the free acid from benzoate salts and a certified reference standard.
Scroll horizontally if needed. Supplier and package identity stay visible.
| Supplier | Product / Grade | Purity / Assay | Package Size | Public Price | Normalized Price | Documentation | Last Checked | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma-AldrichBenzoic Acid | ACS reagent242381-100G | ≥99.5% | 100 g | $59.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | COA lookup on product page (opens new tab)SDSCheck supplierCOO lookup on product page (opens new tab) Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich
| View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, 242381-100G (opens new tab) | |
| ACS reagent242381-500G | ≥99.5% | 500 g | $104.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, 242381-500G (opens new tab) | |||
| TCIBenzoic Acid | Check supplierB2635 | >99.0% (GC) | 25 g | $17.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: TCI
| View Product: TCI, B2635 (opens new tab) | |
| Check supplierB2635 | >99.0% (GC) | 500 g | $31.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: TCI, B2635 (opens new tab) | |||
| FUJIFILM WakoBenzoic Acid | Guaranteed Reagent020-00982 | ≥99.5% (mass/mass, titration) | 25 g | $19.00USD · US list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
| View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 020-00982 (opens new tab) | |
| Guaranteed Reagent024-00985 | ≥99.5% (mass/mass, titration) | 500 g | $47.00USD · US list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 024-00985 (opens new tab) |
Sigma-Aldrich
Benzoic Acid
ACS reagent
100 g
242381-100G- Public price
- $59.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 g
242381-500G- Public price
- $104.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
COA lookup on product page (opens new tab)SDSCheck supplierCOO lookup on product page (opens new tab)
Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- A product-specific Certificate of Origin retrieval option was visible; no origin certificate was reviewed. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
TCI
Benzoic Acid
Check supplier
25 g
B2635- Public price
- $17.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 g
B2635- Public price
- $31.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: TCI
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
FUJIFILM Wako
Benzoic Acid
Guaranteed Reagent
25 g
020-00982- Public price
- $19.00USD · US list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 g
024-00985- Public price
- $47.00USD · US list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Documentation evidence
COA = Certificate of Analysis · SDS = Safety Data Sheet · COO = Certificate of Origin.
Lookup means a retrieval option was visible, not that a lot certificate was reviewed. Check supplier means availability or the applicable document was not verified.
Prices may vary by quantity, account, contract, geography, and availability. These products have different grades, assay bases, or forms; no normalized comparison is shown. Foreign-market prices are reference listings only. No currency conversion, mass-to-volume conversion, or ranking is applied. Confirm equivalent specifications and a current quote before comparison. [4] [5] [6]
Verification limits & placement policy
Numeric pKa reports in the compiled record vary; the displayed value is rounded with its temperature. No certified reference status is claimed.
Only the displayed identity, specification, packages, public prices and stated documentation evidence were reviewed. Current stock, lead times, shipping eligibility, contract pricing, lot certificates, and regulatory suitability are unverified.
There are no paid placements. Future paid listings will show “Sponsored” in both views; payment will not determine chemistry interpretation or imply a ranking.
07
PLAN A LARGER ORDER
Need Benzoic Acid in Bulk?
Turn your requirements into a clear supplier brief.
Bulk RFQ feature — coming soon. Prototype form: submissions are not currently sent to suppliers. Use sample details to prepare an on-screen brief.
Prepare a bulk request Prototype form
08
A BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Before You Buy Benzoic Acid
Selections remain only while this page is open.
09
FOR YOUR REFERENCE
Benzoic Acid Technical Reference
Identity, product reference properties, and handling context.
Identification Names, formula & identifiers
- Principal CAS
- 65-85-0
- Identity focus
- Solid
- Formula
- C₇H₆O₂
- Molecular weight
- 122.12 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- benzoic acid
- Connectivity SMILES
- C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)O
- PubChem CID
- 243
Connectivity SMILES describes connectivity; it is not an independent stereochemical assignment. CAS and product-form distinctions are supported by the supplier listings. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Physical Properties Product references & conditions
Sigma reports crystalline material melting at 121–125 °C and water solubility 2.9 g/L at 25 °C. TCI lists the same numeric solubility at 20 °C; retain the differing temperatures. [4] [5] [6]
Hydrate, concentration, stereoisomer, and temperature can change the relevant specification. Product reference data are not a reviewed lot certificate.
Acid/Base Properties Verified values & missing data
Reference pKa: ≈4.2 (25 °C). [2]
Numeric pKa reports in the compiled record vary; the displayed value is rounded with its temperature. No certified reference status is claimed.
Temperature, ionic strength, and the use of activities versus concentrations matter in quantitative work. These reference values are not buffer recipes.
Safety Product-specific SDS
Review the current SDS for the exact product.
Match chemical form, concentration, region, and product code. Use its handling, storage, incompatibility, first-aid and disposal guidance alongside the workplace risk assessment.
A current regional SDS remains to be verified; the supplier documentation field says Check supplier. This profile is not a substitute for that document.
Review supplier documentation10
COMMON QUESTIONS
Benzoic Acid FAQ
What distinguishes Benzoic Acid?
The ring is the main framework; the –COOH group provides the acidic proton. Benzoic acid has one carboxyl group, rather than two acidic ends. [1]
How does it differ from Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is 2-hydroxybenzoic acid: its neighboring hydroxyl changes acidity and reaction possibilities. Benzoic acid supplies the simpler aromatic carboxyl framework. [7]
What must a buyer specify?
Distinguish the free acid from benzoate salts and a certified reference standard. [4]
Are the listed products directly price-comparable?
No. The table retains differing grades, assay bases, forms, and markets. No normalized ranking or currency conversion is applied. [5]
What reference data still need checking?
Numeric pKa reports in the compiled record vary; the displayed value is rounded with its temperature. No certified reference status is claimed. [6]
Can I request a bulk quote here?
The RFQ is a prototype that prepares an on-screen brief. Nothing is sent to suppliers. Confirm actual bulk terms directly with the supplier. [4]
11
TRACE THE INFORMATION
Sources & Editorial Notes
Identity and compiled reference values are separated from supplier-specific specifications. Structural comparisons and buyer guidance are editorial interpretation. Sources were checked October 3, 2026; supplier information can change.
- PubChem · chemical identity (opens new tab)
Official PUG REST identity record: formula, molecular weight, IUPAC name, and connectivity SMILES.
- PubChem · dissociation references (opens new tab)
Compiled reference entries; their methods and conditions matter. Citric acid’s displayed stepwise values are from the linked Sigma specification.
- PubChem · applications (opens new tab)
Compiled application references; uses of derivatives are distinguished from direct use of the acid.
- Sigma-Aldrich · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product listing checked October 3, 2026. Product-specific grade, assay, package, public price and documentation retrieval evidence.
- TCI · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product listing checked October 3, 2026. Product-specific grade, assay, package, public price and documentation retrieval evidence.
- FUJIFILM Wako · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product listing checked October 3, 2026. Product-specific grade, assay, package, public price and documentation retrieval evidence.
- Salicylic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Primary comparison identity. Explanations of structural differences are editorial interpretation of verified identities.
- Mandelic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related chemical identity; relevance is based on structure or the stated application relationship.
- Acetic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related chemical identity; relevance is based on structure or the stated application relationship.
- Salicylic Acid · acid–base reference (opens new tab)
The primary comparison’s pKa source; reference conditions are preserved.
- OpenStax · Citric acid cycle (opens new tab)
Succinate and fumarate in the citric acid cycle; salts/ions are distinguished from purchased free acids.
Review limits
Numeric pKa reports in the compiled record vary; the displayed value is rounded with its temperature. No certified reference status is claimed.
This informational prototype is not a supplier, quotation service, or endorsement of a product’s fitness for an application. Buyers should verify the applicable specification, certification, and regulatory requirements for their intended use.