Benzoic Acid

Oxidizing toluene in the liquid phase over a cobalt acetate catalyst produces benzoic acid. The reaction occurs at about 165°C and 10 atmospheres. The yield is over 90%:

Benzoic acid (benzene carboxylic acid) is a white crystalline solid with a characteristic odor. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in most common organic solvents. Though much benzoic acid gets used as a mordant in calico printing, it also serves to season tobacco, preserve food, make dentifrices, and kill fungus. Furthermore it is a precursor for caprolactam, phenol, and terephthalic acid.