General Tests on Benzoic Acid

(a) It dissolves in hot water but separates out in the form of white shining flakes on cooling.

(b) Benzoic Acid evolves CO₂ with sodium bicarbonate, that is it gives effervescence with sodium carbonate.

(c) Neutral ferric chloride provides a buff coloured precipitate.

(d) When warmed with ethyl alcohol and a little conc. H₂SO₄, a fragrant odour of ethyl benzoate is acquired.

(e) While heated strongly along with soda lime, benzene vapours are evolved that are inflammable.