Benzoic anhydride is a white solid. It is the organic compound with the formula (C₆H₅CO)₂O. It is acid anhydride of benzoic acid and the simplest symmetrical aromatic acid anhydride.
Moisture sensitive. Incompatible with strong acids, strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.
Physical state at 20 °C : | Solid |
Odour threshold : | No data available |
pH value : | 2 at 1 g/l |
Relative evaporation rate (butylacetate=1) : | No data available |
Melting point : - | 1 °C |
Freezing point : | No data available |
Boiling point : | 198 °C |
Flash point : | 72 °C |
Auto-ignition temperature : | 6000 °C |
Decomposition temperature : | No data available |
Flammability (solid, gas) : | No data available |
Vapour pressure : | 1 mm Hg at 320C |
Relative vapour density at 20 °C : | 4.88 |
Relative density : | No data available |
Density : | 1.211 g/cm³ |
Solubility : Water: | Decomposed by water |
Log Pow : | No data available |
Viscosity, kinematic : | No data available |
Viscosity, dynamic : | No data available |
Explosive properties : | No data available |
Oxidising properties : | No data available |
Explosive limits : | 0.012 - 0.049 vol % |
Benzoic anhydride can be used as a: Condensation reagent in the synthesis of carboxylic esters from carboxylic acids and alcohols. Coupling reagent in the synthesis of macrolactones. Acylating reagent for acylating sulfonamides, amines, alcohols, and phenols using ZSM-5-SO3H as a catalyst.
The minimum lethal human oral dose of benzoic acid is 500 mg/kg body-weight .