[News & Trends]:Benzoic acid and phenylacetic acid: differences from structure to application

Benzoic acid and phenylacetic acid are common organic acids, and they have some differences in structure and application. Structurally, the chemical formula of benzoic acid is C6H5COOH, and the hydrogen atom on the benzene ring is replaced by a methyl group. The chemical formula of phenylacetic acid is C6H5CH2COOH, and the hydrogen on the benzene ring is replaced by an ethyl group. This structural difference leads to their different manifestations in physical and chemical properties. Next, we will discuss their characteristics and application areas separately


In terms of physical properties, benzoic acid and phenylacetic acid are both white crystalline solids with a special aroma. Benzoic acid has a melting point of 122 ° C and a boiling point of 249 ° C. It is insoluble in water but easily soluble in organic solvents. The melting point of phenylacetic acid is 42 ° C and the boiling point is 246 ° C. It is also insoluble in water but easily soluble in organic solvents. From the perspective of melting point and solubility, benzoic acid has a higher melting point and is not easily soluble in common solvents, while phenylacetic acid is relatively easy to dissolve in common solvents


In terms of chemical properties, both benzoic acid and phenylacetic acid are acidic. They can be neutralized by alkali to form corresponding salts and undergo esterification reactions with alcohols. There is a slight difference in acidity between benzoic acid and phenylacetic acid, with benzoic acid having weaker acidity. This difference is reflected in practical applications. Benzoic acid is suitable for the preparation of benzoate salts, fungicides, and dyes. Phenylacetic acid is commonly used in the preparation of dyes, resins, and spices


In addition, there are differences in biological activity between benzoic acid and phenylacetic acid. Benzoic acid has a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical field, such as as as an over-the-counter drug ingredient and antifungal agent. And phenylacetic acid is mainly used in the food and spice industry as a preservative and seasoning agent


In summary, there are some differences in structure and application between benzoic acid and phenylacetic acid. In the chemical formula of benzoic acid, there is one methyl group, while in the chemical formula of phenylacetic acid, there is one ethyl group. They differ slightly in physical properties, chemical properties, and application fields. A deep understanding of the differences between benzoic acid and phenylacetic acid is of great significance for their rational application.