2-hydroxybenzoic acid

6.9

A white chemical used in aspirin, dyes, perfumes, and acne medicine

noun
/tuː haɪdrəʊksɪˈbɛnzoʊɪk ˈæsɪd/

Specialized

: ácido salicílico

The pharmaceutical company synthesizes 2-hydroxybenzoic acid to manufacture aspirin.

Examples

2-hydroxybenzoic acid is a key ingredient in many acne treatment products.
Dyes and fragrances often contain 2-hydroxybenzoic acid as a precursor.
The chemical formula for 2-hydroxybenzoic acid is C7H6O3.
Have you ever used a product with 2-hydroxybenzoic acid in it?
2-hydroxybenzoic acid is widely used in skincare products to reduce acne and improve skin texture.
Many pharmaceuticals utilize 2-hydroxybenzoic acid in their formulations, particularly for pain relief.
In addition to its use in medicine, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid is essential for creating dyes and perfumes.

Synonyms

salicylic acid

vs2-hydroxybenzoic acid

Specialized

1 4.8

A chemical used to make aspirin and to treat acne and other skin problems

is the formal chemical name for the same compound

Surface Forms

2-hydroxybenzoic acid singular

2-hydroxybenzoic acids plural

salicylic acids plural

salicylic acid singular

Morphology

2-hydroxybenzoic + acid

This is a technical chemical name made from domain-specific morphemes and a numeric locant; knowing the common word 'acid' does not let a B1 learner infer the specific identity or properties (i.e. salicylic acid). The elements '2-', 'hydroxy-' and 'benzoic' require background in chemical nomenclature, so the overall meaning is not transparently derivable from the constituents for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

2-Hydroxybenzoic acid is a plain chemical name that describes the molecule: 2 shows where the hydroxy group sits on the ring, and benzoic acid names the acid ring itself. This same substance is called 'salicylic acid' from willow bark, so the name tells you exactly which chemical is used in aspirin, dyes and skin products.