Benzoic acid is an important precursor for the preparation of many other organic substances viz. benzoyl chloride, benylbenzoate, phenol, sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol as well as benzoate plasticizers such as glycol-, diethhyleneglycol- and triethyleneglycol esters. Benzoic acid and its salts are used as food preservatives. It is involved in rubber polymerization as an activator and a retardant. It is the main component of benzoin resin and is a constituent of Whitfield’s ointment, which is used for the treatment of fungal skin diseases such as tinea, ringworm and athlete’s foot. It is widely used in cosmetics, dyes, plastics and insect repellents.