Final answer:
The compound PhCO3H, known as benzoic acid, is commonly used as a preservative in the food industry and to activate carboxylic acids into more reactive derivatives such as acid chlorides in organic synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The compound PhCO3H is commonly referred to as benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is a carboxylic acid, and the 'Ph' stands for a phenyl group, which is a benzene ring attached to the compound. This acid has a variety of uses, but it is most commonly utilized as a preservative in the food industry due to its antimicrobial properties. Benzoic acid hinders the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria. It is also employed in the manufacturing of various compounds in chemistry laboratories and industries.
Benzoic acid can also be used to activate other carboxylic acids into more reactive species like acid chlorides, which is done using reagents like thionyl chloride (SOCl2), phosphorous trichloride (PCl3), or phosphorous pentachloride (PCl5). These reactive intermediates are then further used to create other derivatives in organic synthesis.