Salicylic acid Salicylic acid Salicylic acid (from Latin "salix", "willow tree") is a lipophilic monohydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid, and a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). It has the formula CHO. This colorless crystalline organic acid is widely used in organic synthesis and functions as a plant hormone. It is derived from the metabolism of salicin. In addition to serving as an important active metabolite of aspirin ("acetylsalicylic acid"), which acts in part as a prodrug to salicylic acid, it is probably best known for its use as a key ingredient in topical anti-acne products. The salts and esters of salicylic
Erucic acid surfactants or lubricants, and can be used as a precursor to biodiesel fuel. Derivatives of erucic acid have many further uses, such as behenyl alcohol (CH(CH)OH), a pour point depressant (enabling liquids to flow at a lower temperature), and silver behenate, for use in photography. The name 'erucic' means: of or pertaining to "Eruca"; which is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae. It is also the Latin for colewort, which today is better known as arugula. Erucic acid is produced naturally (together with other fatty acids) across a great range of green plants, but especially so in