What Are Properties for Benzoic Acid?
Benzoic acid is a crystalline substance that is used to form products like salts and esters. Discovered in the 16th century, it was commonly used to preserve food because it is antibacterial by nature. It is a member of the aromatic carboxylic acid group. Each molecule of benzoic acid attached to an aromatic ring. This allows it to undergo reactions that make it ideal for use in perfumes and insect repellent.
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Composition
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Benzoic acid consists of a carboxyl group attached to a carbon atom of a benzene ring. The benzene molecule consists of six carbon atoms in an aromatic ring. Benzoic acid is created when the carboxyl group of benzene is replaced by a hydrogen atom on the ring. Chemically, benzoic acid is represented as C7H6O2.
Food Preservation
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Benzoic acid becomes an effective food preservation agent when it undergoes a chemical reaction to become a salt form. When combined with sodium, benzoic acid becomes sodium benzoate. This is the form of benzoic acid that is used as a preservative. It kills bacteria naturally, and in its salt form it can easily be applied to foods and then washed off without any aftereffects.
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Insect Repellent
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Benzoic acid is a central ingredient in most insect repellents. It reacts with phosphorus and chloride to create poisons that can kill or repel insects without causing any ill effects to human skin. It can be combined with other chemicals to create fragrances while preserving a form that is easy to apply.
Weakness
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While benzoic acid is acidic, it is decidedly weaker than other common acids. This allows it to be used in various situations without some of the side effects of other acids. Benzoic acid is not strong enough to damage physical surfaces and is completely safe for humans in small doses. Some topically applied medicines use benzoic acid for its antibacterial properties as well.
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References
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