BENZOIC ACID 489 



AciDUM Benzoicum. Benzoic Acid. HC7H5O2. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Acide benzoique, fleurs de benjoin, Fr. ; 

 benzoesaure, benzoeblumen, G. 



Derivation. — Obtained from benzoin by sublimation. 



Properties. — White, or yellowish-white, lustrous scales 

 or friable needles ; odorless, or having a slight characteristic 

 odor resembling that of benzoin, and of a warm, acid taste. 

 Somewhat volatile at a moderately warm temperature, and 

 rendered darker by exposure to light. Soluble, when pure, 

 in about 500 parts of water, and in 2 parts of alcohol. Also 

 soluble in 3 parts of ether, 7 parts of chloroform, and readily 

 soluble in carbon disulphide, benzol, fixed and volatile oils, 

 but sparingly soluble in benzin. 



Incompatihles. — Alkalies, ammonium carbonate. 



Dose.—R. & C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; D., gr.v.-xv. (.3-1.). 



Ammonii Benzoas. Ammonium Benzoate. NH^C^HgOj. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Made by the action of benzoic acid and ammonia water. 

 In white crystals. Soluble in 5 parts of water ; in 28 parts 

 of alcohoh 



Dose. — Same as benzoic acid. 



SoDii Benzoas. Sodium Benzoate. Na C,H502. (U. S. P.) 



Made by the action of a hot solution of sodium carbonate 

 on benzoic acid. Occurs in a white powder. Soluble in 

 1.8 parts of water ; in 45 parts of alcohol. 



Dose. — Same as benzoic acid. 



ACTION OF BENZOIN, BENZOIC ACID AND BENZOATES. 



These substances may be represented by benzoic acid. 

 Action External. — Benzoic acid is an irritant applied 

 externally, also when its vapor is inhaled. It is an efficient 



