Benzilic acid
CAS 76-93-7
Organic Acids Pharmaceuticals & HealthcarePlastics & Polymers Polymerization Initiation
Description
Benzilic acid (CAS 76-93-7), also known as diphenylglycolic acid, diphenylhydroxyacetic acid, and hydroxydiphenylacetic acid, is an aromatic alpha-hydroxy acid produced via the benzilic acid rearrangement of benzil under alkaline conditions. It carries no assigned E-code and is not classified as a food additive.
In pharmaceutical synthesis, benzilic acid serves as a key intermediate in the production of anticholinergic compounds, including glycopyrrolate and benztropine, where its diphenyl-substituted hydroxyl group provides the structural basis for receptor binding. In polymer chemistry, it functions as a photoinitiator precursor and chain-transfer agent, influencing molecular weight distribution during radical polymerization.
Benzilic acid is supplied in technical and pharmaceutical-grade forms, with pharmaceutical batches typically tested against Ph.Eur. or in-house specifications. It falls under REACH registration requirements for quantities supplied within the EU. Standard packaging formats include multi-kilogram fiber drums and smaller quantities for laboratory or development use.
In pharmaceutical synthesis, benzilic acid serves as a key intermediate in the production of anticholinergic compounds, including glycopyrrolate and benztropine, where its diphenyl-substituted hydroxyl group provides the structural basis for receptor binding. In polymer chemistry, it functions as a photoinitiator precursor and chain-transfer agent, influencing molecular weight distribution during radical polymerization.
Benzilic acid is supplied in technical and pharmaceutical-grade forms, with pharmaceutical batches typically tested against Ph.Eur. or in-house specifications. It falls under REACH registration requirements for quantities supplied within the EU. Standard packaging formats include multi-kilogram fiber drums and smaller quantities for laboratory or development use.
Other Names
Diphenylglycolic acidα,α-Diphenylglycolic acidDiphenylhydroxyacetic acidHydroxydiphenylacetic acidα,α-Diphenyl-α-hydroxyacetic acid2-Hydroxy-2,2-diphenylacetic acidα-Hydroxy-2,2-diphenylacetic acidα-Hydroxy-α-phenylbenzeneacetic acid
Related Products
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.