Benzilic acid for synthesis 98 is Off-white powder. Assay (alkalimetric): Min 98%. Melting point: 148 - 152 deg C. Safety Information and Hazard Symbols. Symbol: GHS07
Benzilic acid is used in the manufacture of glycollate pharmaceuticals including clidinium, dilantin, flutropium, and mepenzolate which are antagonists of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
The benzilic acid rearrangement is formally the 1,2-rearrangement of 1,2-diketones to form α-hydroxy–carboxylic acids using a base. This reaction receives its name from the reaction of benzil with potassium hydroxide to form benzilic acid.