What is the Difference Between Benzoic Acid and Benzaldehyde?

Benzoic acid and benzaldehyde are both aromatic compounds, but they have different functional groups and chemical properties. The main differences between them are:

1. Functional Groups: Benzoic acid has a carboxylic acid functional group (–COOH), while benzaldehyde has an aldehyde functional group (–CHO).
2. Reaction with Sodium Bicarbonate: Benzoic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to form a sodium salt and release carbon dioxide gas, while benzaldehyde does not react with sodium bicarbonate.
3. Physical Appearance: Benzoic acid is a white crystalline solid with needle-like crystals, while benzaldehyde is a colorless liquid with the odor of almond.
4. Chemical Properties: Benzoic acid is an acid, and its solution turns blue litmus red, whereas benzaldehyde does not have these properties.
5. Uses: Benzoic acid is used in the manufacture of perfumes, dyes, topical medications, and insect repellents, while benzaldehyde is used to flavor foods with almond flavor and in some fragrances.

Comparative Table: Benzoic Acid vs Benzaldehyde

Benzoic acid and benzaldehyde are two organic compounds with different chemical properties and uses. Here is a table highlighting the key differences between them:

Both benzoic acid and benzaldehyde are organic compounds, but they differ in their chemical properties, physical properties, and applications. Benzoic acid has a carboxylic acid functional group (–COOH), while benzaldehyde has an aldehyde functional group (–CHO) attached to a benzene ring.