Benzoic Acid is a white crystalline solid with a slightly sweet, aromatic odor. It's a weak organic acid with various applications:
- Food preservative: Prevents the growth of mold and bacteria in foods like fruit juices, jams, and pickles.
- Pharmaceutical ingredient: Used in topical antifungal and antiseptic medications.
- Industrial chemical: Used in the production of dyes, perfumes, and other chemicals.