Dictionary
benzo'ic ac'id
Chem., Pharm.
a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble powder, C
7H
6O
2, usually derived from benzoin or other balsams, or synthesized from phthalic acid or toluene: used chiefly as a preservative, in the synthesis of dyes, and in medicine as a germicide. Also called
benzenecarboxylic acid, phenylformic acid. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.