Benzoic acid is an organic acid. In neutral and acidic solutions it is insoluble in water, however in basic solutions it can be deprotonated, forming a water-soluble salt. Thus: 1.0 M HCl, Water: insoluble 1.0 M NaOH: soluble Solution Benzoic acid is an organic acid. In neutral and acidic solutions it is insoluble in water, however in basic solutions it can be deprotonated, forming a water-soluble salt. Thus: 1.0 M HCl, Water: insoluble 1.0 M NaOH: soluble.