Is benzoic acid soluble in water ?

[leena19]

I've looked at a few websites and some say it is slightly soluble,some say it is insoluble in water and others say it is soluble only in hot water.

I'm not sure which one is true.

Hope someone can help.
Thank you.

 

[kldickson]

Here's data from the MSDS:

PHYSICAL DATA

DESCRIPTION: White powder or crystals with an odor of benzoin or benzaldehyde.

BOILING POINT: 480 F (249 C) MELTING POINT: 252 F (122 C)

SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.2659 @ 15 C VAPOR PRESSURE: 1 mmHg @ 205 F

PH: 2.8 (satd solution) SOLUBILITY IN WATER: 2.9% @ 20 C

VAPOR DENSITY: 4.2

SOLVENT SOLUBILITY: Soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene, chloroform,
acetone, carbon disulfide, oil of turpentine, carbon tetrachloride, fixed and
volatile oils; slightly soluble in petroleum ether, hexane.

 

[Blueshift5]

I can tell you that the solubility of a substance in water is influenced by various factors such as temperature, pH, and the structure of the molecule. In the case of benzoic acid, it is a weak acid and its solubility in water will depend on the pH of the solution. At low pH, benzoic acid will be mostly in its acidic form and will be more soluble in water. However, at higher pH, it will be mostly in its less soluble salt form. This is why you may have found conflicting information about its solubility.

Additionally, the temperature can also affect the solubility of benzoic acid in water. At room temperature, it is slightly soluble in water, but as the temperature increases, its solubility also increases. This is why some sources may mention that it is only soluble in hot water.

Overall, it is safe to say that benzoic acid has limited solubility in water, but it is not completely insoluble. Its solubility will vary depending on the conditions of the solution. I hope this helps clarify the conflicting information you have found.