4-(Phenylcarbonyl)benzoic acid is a photooxidant.^1,2,3Upon light activation, 4-(phenylcarbonyl)benzoic acid forms an electrophilic aromatic ketone that acts as an oxidant in organic synthesis or biological systems. It has been used in the study of amino acid oxidation, as well as the synthesis of photoactivated antibacterial and antiviral compounds.

1.Cohen, S.G., and Ojanpera, S.Photooxidation of methionine and related compoundsJ. Am. Chem. Soc.97(19)5633-5634(1975) 2.Bobrowski, K., Marciniak, B., and Hug, G.L.4-Carboxybenzophenone-sensitized photooxidation of sulfur-containing amino acids. nanosecond laser flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis studiesJ. Am. Chem. Soc.11410279-10288(1992) 3.Xu, M., Guo, H., Hou, C., et al.Olfactory perception and behavioral effects of sex pheromone gland components in Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa assultaSci. Rep.622998(2016)