Oxalic acid Oxalic acid Oxalic acid is an organic compound with the formula CHO. It is a colorless crystalline solid that forms a colorless solution in water. Its condensed formula is HOOCCOOH, reflecting its classification as the simplest dicarboxylic acid. Its acid strength is much greater than that of acetic acid. Oxalic acid is a reducing agent and its conjugate base, known as oxalate (), is a chelating agent for metal cations. Typically, oxalic acid occurs as the dihydrate with the formula CHO·2HO. It occurs naturally in many foods, but excessive ingestion of oxalic acid or prolonged skin contact can be dangerous.
Benzoin (organic compound) Benzoin (organic compound) Benzoin ( or ) is an organic compound with the formula PhCH(OH)C(O)Ph. It is a hydroxy ketone attached to two phenyl groups. It appears as off-white crystals, with a light camphor-like odor. Benzoin is synthesized from benzaldehyde in the benzoin condensation. It is chiral and it exists as a pair of enantiomers: ("R")-benzoin and ("S")-benzoin. Benzoin is "not" a constituent of benzoin resin obtained from the benzoin tree "(Styrax)" or tincture of benzoin. The main component in these natural products is benzoic acid. Benzoin was first reported in 1832 by Justus von Liebig and Friedrich Woehler during