

Benzoic anhydride is prepared by heating benzoic acid with acetic anhydride in the presence of H3PO4, as described by H. T. Clarke and E. J. Rahrs in 1923 in volume 3 of聽Organic Syntheses. It is used primarily as a benzoylating agent in industrial chemical synthesis. Recently, D. Seidel and co-workers聽聽to give products that can be enantiomerically resolved.

, the most authoritative and comprehensive source for chemical information.
Molecule of the Week needs your suggestions!
If your favorite molecule is not in our聽archive, please send us a message. The molecule can be notable for its current or historical importance or for any quirky reason. Thank you!
Stay Ahead of the Chemistry Curve
Learn how ACS can help you stay ahead in the world of chemistry.