What is "nitrobenzoic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) Any of three isomeric nitro- derivatives of benzoic acid that are used in the manufacture of dyes

Nitrobenzoic acids are derivatives of benzoic acid. Two are commercially important. They are about ten times more acidic than the parent benzoic acid . Nitrobenzoic acid can be prepared through the oxidation of styrene in boiling nitric acid.

• 2-Nitrobenzoic acid ( CAS Registry Number 27178-83-2, m.p. 148 °C) is prepared by oxidation of 2-nitrotoluene.
• 3-Nitrobenzoic acid (m.p. 142 °C) is a precursor to 3-aminobenzoic acid, which in turn is used to prepare some dyes. It can be prepared by nitration of benzoic acid. It also can be prepared by treating benzaldehyde under nitration conditions, a process that initially converts the aldehyde to the acid.
• 4-Nitrobenzoic acid (m.p. 240 °C) is a precursor to 4-aminobenzoic acid, a precursor to the anestheic Procaine. It is prepared by oxidation of 4-nitrotoluene.