Phenylacetic acid
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| Names | |
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| IUPAC name
Phenylacetic acid
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| Identifiers | |
103-82-2  |
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| ChEBI | CHEBI:30745 |
| ChEMBL | ChEMBL1044 |
| ChemSpider | 10181341 |
| Jmol 3D model | Interactive image |
| UNII | ER5I1W795A |
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| Properties | |
| C8H8O2 | |
| Molar mass | 136.15 g/mol |
| Density | 1.0809 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 76 to 77 °C (169 to 171 °F; 349 to 350 K) |
| Boiling point | 265.5 °C (509.9 °F; 538.6 K) |
| 15 g/L | |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.31[1] |
| Vapor pressure | {{{value}}} |
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Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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| Infobox references | |
Phenylacetic acid (abr. PAA and synonyms are: α-toluic acid, benzeneacetic acid, alpha tolylic acid, 2-phenylacetic acid, β-phenylacetic acid) is an organic compound containing a phenyl functional group and a carboxylic acid functional group. It is a white solid with a disagreeable odor. Because it is used in the illicit production of phenylacetone (used in the manufacture of substituted amphetamines), it is subject to controls in countries including the United States and China.[2]
Occurrence
Phenylacetic acid has been found to be an active auxin (a type of plant hormone),[3] found predominantly in fruits. However, its effect is much weaker than the effect of the basic auxin molecule indole-3-acetic acid. In addition the molecule is naturally produced by the metapleural gland of most ant species and used as an antimicrobial. It is also the oxidation product of phenethylamine in humans following metabolism by monoamine oxidase and subsequent metabolism of the intermediate product, phenylacetaldehyde, by the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme; these enzymes are also found in many other organisms.
Preparation
This compound may be prepared by the hydrolysis of benzyl cyanide:[4][5]
Applications
Phenylacetic acid is used in some perfumes, possessing a honey-like odor in low concentrations, and is also used in penicillin G production. It is also employed to treat type II hyperammonemia to help reduce the amounts of ammonia in a patient's bloodstream by forming phenylacetyl-CoA, which then reacts with nitrogen-rich glutamine to form phenylacetylglutamine. This compound is then secreted by the patient's body. It's also used in the illicit production of phenylacetone (used in the manufacture of meth/amphetamine)
See also
References
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