a white crystalline solid occurring in many natural resins, used in the manufacture of benzoates, plasticizers, and dyes and as a food preservative (E210). Formula: C6H5COOH
Systematic name: benzenecarboxylic acid
benzoic acid in American English
a white, crystalline organic acid, C6H5COOH, produced commercially from toluene and used as an antiseptic and preservative and in the making of perfumes, flavorings, etc.