Substance profile
Benzoic Acid
Benzoic Acid is monoclinic tablets, plates, leaflets and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Benzoic Acid is
Benzoic Acid is monoclinic tablets, plates, leaflets and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C7H6O2 and its molecular weight is 122.12 g/mol. It boils at 249 °C, melts at 122 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H372 | Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P264, P270, P280, P302, P305, P310, P313, P314, P332, P338, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Benzoic Acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 249.2 °C (480.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 248.89 °C (480 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 249 °C (480.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 122.35 °C (252.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 122.39 °C (252.3 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 122 °C (251.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.3 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.316 g/cm³ | at 24 °C, solid | HSDB | |
| 1.316 g/cm³ | at 28 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Monomer & dimer models for solubility of benzoic acid in simple binary and ternary solvents are reported. | HSDB | |
| In water, 3.5X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0007 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.0007501 mmHg | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| 1 mmHg | at 96.11 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 121.11 °C (250 °F) | HSDB | |
| 121 °C (249.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 570 °C (1058 °F) | HSDB | |
| 572.78 °C (1063 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 4.21 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.2 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 479 °C (894.2 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Benzoic Acid
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. Behavior in fire: vapor from molten benzoic acid may form explosive mixt with air. Concn dust may form explosive mixture.
Source: HSDB
Ignition of a pelleted sample /of benzoic acid/ in a /oxygen/ bomb with a faulty closure valve led to sudden venting of combustion gases which blew off the insulating cover and thermometer.
Source: HSDB
Solubility
1 g dissolves in: 2.3 mL alcohol (cold), 1.5 mL alcohol (boiling), 4.5 mL chloroform, 3 mL ether, 3 mL acetone, 30 mL carbon tetrachloride,10 mL benzene, 30 mL carbon disulfide, 23 mL oil of turpentine. Also soluble in volatile and fixed oils; slightly soluble in petroleum ether
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Benzoic Acid
Storage conditions
The bulk material should be stored in well-closed container in a cool dry place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Undergoes typical reactions of an organic acid, e.g. with alkalis or heavy metals. Preservative activity may be reduced by interaction with kaolin.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
At high temperature BENZOIC ACID can react with oxidizing reagents.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Benzoic Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →