| Phenylacetic acid | |
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Phenylacetic acid |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 103-82-2 |
| ChemSpider | 10181341 |
| UNII | ER5I1W795A |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:30745 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1044 |
| Jmol-3D images | Image 1 |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C8H8O2 |
| Molar mass | 136.15 g/mol |
| Density | 1.0809 g/cm3 |
| Melting point |
76–77 °C |
| Boiling point |
265.5 °C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.31[1] |
| Hazards | |
| MSDS | External MSDS |
| (verify) (what is: /?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 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) 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 meth/amphetamines), it is subject to controls in the United States.
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Phenylacetic acid has been found to be an active auxin (a type of plant hormone),[2] found predominantly in fruits. However, its effect is much weaker than the effect of the basic auxin molecule indole-3-acetic acid. It is also the oxidation product of phenethylamine when acted on by the enzyme monoamine oxidase found in humans and many other organisms.
This compound may be prepared by the hydrolysis of benzyl cyanide:[3][4]
Phenylacetic acid is used in some perfumes, possessing a honey-like odour 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.