Benzoic acid, the simplest pungent carboxylic acid containing carboxyl set bonded straight to benzene ring, is a white, crystalline natural composite , soulble in water ,ethanol, benzene and acetone, is a colorless crystalline solid,, the simplest pungent carboxylic acid containing carboxyl set bonded straight to benzene ring, is a white, crystalline natural composite.. Benzoic formula is C7H6O2 (or C6H5COOH) . It is also known as Benzenecarboxylic acid , Carboxybenzene , Phenyl carboxylic acid. It is derived from the gum benzoin, which was for ancient time the only source for benzoic acid. It is contained in benzoin, storax, liquidambar, castoreum, balsams of tolu and Peru, and other resinous bodies. A commonly used preservative in many processed foods, it is known to cause allergies in sensitive people. Children are especially vulnerable and allergic reactions can include hyperactivity, abdominal pains, diarrhoea, asthma and rashes. Saccharin is a derivative of benzoic acid. It is also useful in medicinal purposes such as anti-microbial agent. Benzoic is very effectively for fungal skin disease for examples tinea, ringworm, and athlete's foot.Benzoic acid helps prevent infection caused by bacteria. It is also applicable dead skin cells. Benzoic is very useful in burns, insect bites, fungal infections, and eczema, itching , inflammations etc.

It is found in toothpastes and mouthwashes, cosmetics, and deodorants. It is also useful as a food preservative.The acidified food and beverage such as soft drinks are preserved with benzoic acid and benzoates. It is also preserver in the synthesis of many other organic substances.. Benzoic acid is also useful in broncho-pulmonary affections such as asthma, tuberculosis etc. It is very effective in urinary tract disorders such as kidney infections, inflammations, kidney stones , bladder stones etc. benzoic acid is helpful in other varieties of fermentation of urine in the bladder and renders the fluid more acid. This is beneficial in nocturnal enuresis, dysuria, and urethritis when due to these fermentative changes. and for gonorrhoea . It is also useful in other purposes such as manufacture of artificial flavors and perfumes and for the flavoring of tobacco It .is locally irritant, stimulant to the system. It is also useful in .cosmetics, dyes, plastics, and insect repellents.