Gentisic acid

Gentisic acid

Skeletal formula of gentisic acid
Space-filling model of the gentisic acid molecule
Names
IUPAC name 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid
Other names DHB 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid 5-Hydroxysalicylic acid Gentianic acid Carboxyhydroquinone 2,5-Dioxybenzoic Acid Hydroquinonecarboxylic acid
Identifiers
CAS Number	490-79-9 Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:17189 Y
ChEMBL	ChEMBL1461 Y
ChemSpider	3350 Y
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
KEGG	C00628 Y
PubChem	3469
UNII	VP36V95O3T Y
InChI InChI=1S/C7H6O4/c8-4-1-2-6(9)5(3-4)7(10)11/h1-3,8-9H,(H,10,11) Y Key: WXTMDXOMEHJXQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C7H6O4/c8-4-1-2-6(9)5(3-4)7(10)11/h1-3,8-9H,(H,10,11) Key: WXTMDXOMEHJXQO-UHFFFAOYAO
SMILES O=C(O)c1cc(O)ccc1O
Properties
Chemical formula	C7H6O4
Molar mass	154.12 g/mol
Appearance	white to yellow powder
Melting point	200 to 205 °C (392 to 401 °F; 473 to 478 K) (Sublimes)
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Y verify (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Gentisic acid is a dihydroxybenzoic acid. It is a derivative of benzoic acid and a minor (1%) product of the metabolic break down of aspirin, excreted by the kidneys.

It is also found in the African tree Alchornea cordifolia and in wine.

Production

Gentisic acid is produced by carboxylation of hydroquinone.

C₆H₄(OH)₂ + CO₂ → C₆H₃(CO₂H)(OH)₂

This conversion is an example of a Kolbe–Schmitt reaction.

Alternatively the compound can be synthesized from Salicylic acid via Elbs persulfate oxidation (50% yield).

Applications

As a hydroquinone, gentisic acid is readily oxidised and is used as an antioxidant excipient in some pharmaceutical preparations.

In the laboratory, it is used as a sample matrix in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, and has been shown to conveniently detect peptides incorporating the boronic acid moiety by MALDI.