Mandelic acid powder is an aromatic alpha hydroxy acid with the molecular formula C6H5CH(OH)CO2H. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and polar organic solvents. It is a useful precursor to various drugs. The molecule is chiral. The racemic mixture is known as paramandelic acid.

Function & Applicaion

Mandelic acid powder has a long history of use in the medical community as an antibacterial, particularly in the treatmentof urinary tract infections. It has also been used as an oral antibiotic, and as a component of 'chemical face peels', along with other alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). The medicines cyclandelate and homatropine are esters of mandelic acid.