Benzoic anhydride is the organic compound with the formula (C6H5CO)2O.
It is the acid anhydride of benzoic acid and the simplest symmetrical aromatic acid anhydride.
It is usually prepared by the dehydration reaction of benzoic acid, e.g. using acetic anhydride:[3] Alternatively, sodium benzoate can be treated with benzoyl chloride.
It can be produced by dehydrating benzoic acid by heating.
[citation needed] Benzoic anhydride provides a convenient way to prepare benzoic esters: