[News & Trends]:Benzoic acid and cresol: differences in properties and uses

Benzoic acid and cresol are common organic chemicals with extensive applications in the chemical industry and daily life. Although they all contain phenyl groups, there are significant differences in their properties and uses


From a chemical structure perspective, the molecular formula of benzoic acid is C7H6O2, which belongs to carboxylic acid compounds; The molecular formula of benzophenone is C7H8O, which belongs to phenolic compounds. Benzoic acid molecules contain carboxyl COOH, while benzol molecules contain hydroxyl OH. This structural difference leads to their different properties and uses


In terms of physical properties, benzoic acid is a white crystalline solid with strong acidity, easily soluble in alcohols and ethers, and insoluble in water; Benzophenol, on the other hand, is a white crystalline solid or brown oily liquid with several properties similar to phenol. It is volatile, soluble in alcohols and ethers, and insoluble in water


From a functional perspective, benzoic acid is mainly used as an intermediate in organic synthesis reactions and can be used to synthesize compounds such as sodium benzoate and ethyl benzoate; Benzophenol is mainly used in the production of preservatives, fungicides, and pharmaceutical intermediates


In summary, although both benzoic acid and cresol contain benzene, they have significant differences in chemical structure, physical properties, and applications. Understanding their differences helps us to choose and use them more accurately in practical applications.