Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that occurs as a natural compound in plants. It has direct activity as an anti-inflammatory agent and acts as a topical antibacterial agent due to its ability to promote exfoliation.Salicylic acid is an odorless white to light tan solid. Sinks and mixes slowly with water. (USCG, 1999)
Physical & Chemical Properties
Molecular FormulaC7H6O3
Density:1.4g/cm³g/cm³
Boiling Point:
Solubility:Soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol, ether and chloroform.
Molecular Weight:138.1g/mol
Flash Point:157℃
Melting Point:
Uses
It is an important fine chemical raw material and can be used for the preparation of pharmaceuticals such as aspirin.
Safety, Security & Risk
Its aqueous solution is a weak acid.It reacts with strong oxidizing agents, fluorine, iodine, lead and iron.Upon heating, it decomposes to produce carbon dioxide and other gaseous products.