Product of hydrolysis of ester. Serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites. The name is derived from gum benzoin(Resine de benjoin) (Benzoin Gum). Balsam (from Latin balsamum 'gum of the balsam tree', ultimately from Semitic, Aramaic busma, Arabic balsam and Hebrew basam, 'spice', 'perfume') owes its name to the biblical Balm of Gilead. Benzoic acid occurs naturally in many plants. The salts and esters of benzoic acid are known as benzoates. Building block for many inhibitors of enzymes See also this moiety in type of inhibitors: Benzoate
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