Benzoic Acid Extra Pure
Benzoic Acid Extra Pure is a high-purity, white crystalline solid widely used in laboratory chemistry for analytical, organic, and preparative applications. It serves as a fundamental compound in the study of carboxylic acids, esterification reactions, and recrystallization techniques. Its well-defined melting point and chemical stability make it ideal for calibration and thermal analysis. Additionally, benzoic acid is commonly employed as a preservative standard and in pH-buffering studies. The extra pure grade ensures minimal contamination, offering reliability and accuracy in high-precision experiments. It should be stored in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container, away from strong oxidizers.
USES
Primary Uses
- Standard for Calibration and Melting Point Determination
- Used as a melting point calibration substance due to its sharp melting point (~122°C).
- Also serves as a standard for acid-base titration or enthalpy of combustion experiments.
- Reagent in Organic Synthesis
- Acts as a precursor in synthesizing various esters, amides, and benzoyl derivatives in organic reaction studies and student experiments.
- Preparation of Benzoate Esters
- Used in esterification experiments (e.g., reaction with ethanol to form ethyl benzoate) to teach reaction mechanisms and purification techniques.
- Teaching Functional Group Identification
- Common in qualitative organic analysis to show carboxylic acid group reactions — such as salt formation, decarboxylation, or neutralization.
Secondary Uses
- Reference Compound in Thermochemical Studies
- In bomb calorimetry, benzoic acid is used as a calorimetric standard for determining heat of combustion.
- pH Studies and Buffer Systems
- In combination with its salt (sodium benzoate), it can be used to prepare buffer solutions for pH control in experiments.
- Crystallization and Purification Practice
- Frequently used in teaching recrystallization techniques, as it forms well-defined crystals and illustrates solubility behavior.
- Model for Substituted Aromatic Chemistry
- Its structure is used in studying substituent effects in aromatic systems (meta-/para- directing effects in EAS).
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Benzoic Acid
- CAS Number: 65-85-0
- HS Code: 2916.31.00
- Molecular Formula: C₇H₆O₂
- Molar Mass: 122.12 g/mol
- Synonyms:
- Carboxybenzene
- Phenylformic acid
- Benzene carboxylic acid
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (crystalline powder)
- Color & Odor: White crystals or flakes with a faint pleasant odor
- Melting Point: 122.4 °C
- Boiling Point: 249.2 °C (with decomposition)
- Density: 1.265 g/cm³
- Solubility:
- In Water: Slightly soluble (3.4 g/L at 25 °C)
- Soluble in: Ethanol, ether, acetone, chloroform
- pKa (acid dissociation constant): ~4.2
- Vapor Pressure: Low (0.1 mmHg at 100 °C)
3. Safety & Hazard AttributesÂ
- GHS Classification:
- Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
- Skin Irritation (Category 2)
- STOT – Single Exposure (Category 3, Respiratory tract irritation)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV; handle with general lab safety practices
- Reactivity:
- Stable under recommended conditions
- Reacts with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in tightly closed containers
- Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong oxidizers, strong bases
- Container Type:
- HDPE bottles or amber glass jars for long-term storage
- Shelf Life:
- Stable for several years if stored properly
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Avoid inhalation of dust
- Use in fume hood if heating or weighing large quantities
- Wear lab coat, gloves, goggles
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed under TSCA, REACH, and FDA (as a preservative, outside lab use)
- GHS Hazard Pictograms:
- UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport in small lab quantities
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Dispose via chemical waste program in accordance with local environmental regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations
- Biodegradability:
- Readily biodegradable
- Toxicological Note:
- Low acute toxicity
- May cause skin or eye irritation with prolonged exposure
 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear lab coat, protective gloves (nitrile or neoprene), and safety goggles.
- Use a dust mask or work under a fume hood if handling large quantities of powder.
- Handling:
- Avoid inhaling dust or fumes.
- Prevent contact with eyes and skin.
- Handle with care to avoid spills and airborne particles.
- Storage:
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
- Keep the container tightly closed and away from strong oxidizers and moisture.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the lab during handling.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move to fresh air immediately.
- Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
- Skin Contact:
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical help if irritation continues.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
- Seek medical advice promptly.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Extinguishing Media:
- Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚).
- Fire Hazards:
- Combustible solid; may emit irritating or toxic fumes (carbon monoxide/dioxide) when burned.
- Fine dust may form explosive mixtures in air.
- Protective Equipment:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and fire-resistant clothing.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Cool surrounding containers with water.
- Avoid letting water runoff contaminate the environment.