Difference between benzoic acid and benzoyl chloride

What are benzoic acid and benzoyl chloride?

Both benzoic acid and benzoyl chloride are derivatives of benzene, but they differ significantly in structure. Benzoic acid is an acidic substance, while benzoyl chloride is an acid chloride. They are widely used in industry in different application fields, such as drug synthesis, pesticide manufacturing and materials science.

Structural and chemical properties of different

The structure of benzoic acid consists of a benzene ring connected to a formic acid group, while benzoyl chloride consists of a benzene ring connected to an acid chloride group. Benzoic acid is soluble in aqueous solution, while benzoyl chloride is a white solid at room temperature and has strong acidity. Benzoic acid exhibits acidic behavior in chemical reactions, while benzoyl chloride exhibits stronger acidic and chloride properties in the reaction.

Industrial applications are different

Benzoic acid is mainly used in the manufacture of drugs, spices and food additives. It plays a key role in pharmaceutical synthesis and is used to make anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and certain hormones. In industrial applications, benzoic acid is also used in the manufacture of solvents and plastics. Benzoyl chloride, on the other hand, is used in the manufacture of organochlorine pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. It provides an efficient and rapid killing mechanism in these applications.

Security and storage differences

In terms of storage and handling, benzoic acid and benzoyl chloride also have different requirements. Benzoic acid needs to be moisture-proof and light-proof during storage, because it is easily oxidized by light. Benzoyl chloride, on the other hand, is more easily decomposed under high temperature or humid environment, thus requiring more stringent storage conditions. When handling these substances in operation, benzoic acid may more easily initiate the reaction, while benzoyl chloride requires more careful handling to avoid accidental release.

Comparison of benzoic acid and benzoyl chloride

Application Examples

Benzoic acid plays an important role in drug synthesis. For example, it is used in the manufacture of antibiotics such as ibuprofen (aspirin) and acetaminophen. In these applications, the acidic nature of benzoic acid makes it a key ingredient in the synthesis of drugs. Benzoyl chloride, on the other hand, is widely used in the manufacture of organochlorine pesticides. For example, it is used in pesticides such as DDT and 1,1, 2,2-tetrachloroethane, and its acidic chloride properties give it unique advantages in these applications.

Conclusion

Benzoic acid and benzoyl chloride differ significantly in structure, properties and applications. Understanding their differences is crucial for the chemical industry and drug synthesis. Benzoic acid is more active in acidic and pharmaceutical applications, while benzoyl chloride is more prominent in pesticide manufacturing and efficient killing. Choosing the right substances is essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of the production process.