BENZOIC ACID 513 



AoiDUM Benzoicum. Benzoic Acid. HOiHuOj. 

 (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. 



Incompaiibles. — Alkalies, ammonium carbonate. 



J>o.se.— H. & C, 3ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., gr.v.-xv. (.3-1.). 



Ammonii Benzoas. Ammonium Benzoate. NH^CiHjOj 

 (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 alcohol. 



Dose. — Same as benzoic acid. 



SoDii Benzoas. Sodium Benzoate. Na CjHjOj 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 

 Made by the action of a hot solution of sodium carbon- 

 ate 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. 



LiTHii Benzoas. (U. S. P.) 

 jr)ose.^Same as for sodium benzoate. 



ACTION OP 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 



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