48+ Benzoic Acid Structure Functional Group Pictures. It consists of a carboxyl group attached to a benzene ring. Benzoic acid molecule has two functional groups that can suffer chemical reactions.

The name derived from gum benzoin, which was for a long time the only source for benzoic acid.

It is found naturally in the benzoin resin of a number of plants. Any molecule featuring a carboxylic acid functional group bonded to a benzene ring. Benzoic acid is a colorless crystal solid that can reduce the energy of the surface in a reaction. Benzoic acid is a chemical that occurs naturally in many foods, and may also be added synthetically to foods, where it functions as a preservative (antibacterial and antifungal) (1, 2).