Phenylglyoxylic acid is the organic compound with the formula C6H5C(O)CO2H. The conjugate base, known as benzoylformate is the substrate of benzoylformate decarboxylase, a thiamine diphosphate-dependent enzyme:
benzoylformate + H+ benzaldehyde + CO2
It is a colourless solid, m.p. 64–66 °C.
Phenylglyoxylic acid can be synthesized by oxidation of mandelic acid with potassium permanganate. An alternative synthesis involves hydrolysis of benzoyl cyanide.
| Name | Benzoylformic acid | EINECS | 210-278-7 |
| CAS No. | 611-73-4 | Density | 1.298 g/cm3 |
| PSA | 54.37000 | LogP | 0.95390 |
| Solubility | methanol: 0.1 g/mL, clear | Melting Point | 60-69 °C
|
| Formula | C8H6O3 | Boiling Point | 258.6 °C at 760 mmHg |
| Molecular Weight | 150.134 | Flash Point | 124.4 °C |
| Transport Information | N/A | Appearance | white to light yellow adhering crystals |
Appearance and properties: light yellow solid
Density: 1.38
Boiling point: 84 °C0.1 mm Hg
Melting point: 62-65 °C(lit.)
Flash point: 147-151°C/12mm
Refractive index: 1.568
Stability: Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.
Storage conditions: Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Production method
It is obtained by hydrolysis of benzoyl cyanide with concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Use
Organic synthesis.
China
