Answer to Question #165287 in Organic Chemistry for Fletcher Madden

Question

Benzoic acid is manufactured by the decarboxylation of phthalic anhydride (C8H4O3). Steam is passed through molten anhydride, containing a metallic catalyst.

What is meant by decarboxylation?

Give the structure of benzoic acid

Answer 1

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide (CO₂). Usually, decarboxylation refers to a reaction of carboxylic acids, removing a carbon atom from a carbon chain.