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
Tetrolic acid Tetrolic acid Tetrolic acid (2-butynoic acid) is a short-chain unsaturated carboxylic acid, described by the formula CH-C≡C-COH. Salts and esters of tetrolic acid are known as tetrolates. The first reported synthesis of tetrolic acid is believed to be by German chemist Johann Georg Anton Geuther in 1871 as part of his work investigating the derivatives of ethyl acetoacetate. Tetrolic acid is manufactured on a commercial scale by treatment of propyne with a strong base (to form an acetylide), followed by carbon dioxide: Strong bases such as "n"-BuLi and NaNH can be used. Tetrolic acid is highly soluble in polar solvents