Benzoic anhydride is a white solid. It is the organic compound with the formula (C₆H₅CO)₂O. It is acid anhydride of benzoic acid and the simplest symmetrical aromatic acid anhydride.
Benzoic anhydride can be used as a: Condensation reagent in the synthesis of carboxylic esters from carboxylic acids and alcohols. Coupling reagent in the synthesis of macrolactones. Acylating reagent for acylating sulfonamides, amines, alcohols, and phenols using ZSM-5-SO3H as a catalyst.
The minimum lethal human oral dose of benzoic acid is 500 mg/kg body-weight .
Moisture sensitive. Incompatible with strong acids, strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.