Mandelic acid, also known as bitter almond acid, is a white rhombic flaky crystal. Melting point: 119℃. It is readily soluble in hot water, ether, isopropanol and ethanol. Excessive exposure can cause discoloration and decomposition. It can be produced by the reaction of benzaldehyde with acetophenone dibromide. It is used in organic synthesis and is a special reagent for the determination of zirconium.