Benzilic acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula C14H12O3. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in alcohol and ether but less soluble in water. Benzilic acid is primarily used in organic synthesis and can be derived from benzil through a rearrangement reaction known as the benzilic acid rearrangement. This compound is notable for its role in the study of reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry. It can also serve as a precursor for various pharmaceuticals and other chemical products. Its structure features a carboxylic acid group attached to a benzene ring, making it an important compound in the field of organic chemistry.