Gentisic acid is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C7H6O4. It is commonly spelled with a hard "g" sound, as in "giant," followed by the "en" sound in "sent." The IPA phonetic transcription for "gentisic" is ˈdʒɛntɪsɪk, with emphasis on the first syllable. The first sound, /dʒ/, is the voiced palato-alveolar affricate sound, like a "j" sound with added "d" sound. The "en" sound is transcribed as /ɛn/, and the final sound, /sɪk/, is the voiceless alveolar fricative sound like "s" in "sit."
Gentisic acid, also known as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, is a naturally occurring organic compound classified under the family of benzoic acids. It is derived from the metabolism of various biological sources, including plants, bacteria, and fungi. The chemical formula of gentisic acid is C7H6O4, and it has a molecular weight of approximately 154.12 grams per mole.
Gentisic acid is characterized by the presence of two hydroxyl groups (OH) attached to the benzene ring. It is a white crystalline solid with a slightly acidic taste. Its solubility in water and other solvents depends on various factors, including pH and temperature.
This compound exhibits antioxidant properties, allowing it to scavenge free radicals and protect against oxidative damage. Gentisic acid is commonly used in dietary supplements and cosmetic products for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
In addition, gentisic acid has been studied for its medicinal properties, such as its role in the treatment of certain diseases. It has shown potential as an anti-cancer agent, as it may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). Furthermore, gentisic acid has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, making it a possible candidate for therapeutic interventions targeting inflammation-related conditions.
Overall, gentisic acid is a natural compound with diverse applications in various fields, including medicine, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. Its antioxidant and potentially beneficial properties make it an interesting area of study for future research.
Gentisin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word gentisic acid is derived from the Latin term gentiana, which refers to the genus of flowering plants known as gentians. These plants belong to the family Gentianaceae and are known for their bitter taste. Gentisic acid, also referred to as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, was first isolated from gentian roots in 1841 by the German chemist Ferdinand Reich. The acid was named after the plant genus from which it was extracted, hence gentisic acid.