Question

What is the physical state of benzoic acid at room temperatures?

Answer 1

The benzene ring within the benzoic acid group has more extensive van der Waals’ forces of attraction as opposed to that of the CH3CH2- group. As more energy is required to overcome the more extensive van der Waals’ forces of attraction between the benzoic acid molecules, benzoic acid is likely to have a higher melting point. As a result, benzoic acid exist as a solid at room temperature.