Benzoic acid does not give an orange colouration with neutral ferric chloride. This is a characteristic reaction of phenols, not carboxylic acids like benzoic acid.

Here's why:

* Phenols have a hydroxyl group (-OH) directly attached to an aromatic ring. The ferric ion (Fe³⁺) reacts with the phenolate ion (formed by deprotonation of the phenol) to form a colored complex, often with a purple, blue, or green hue.

* Benzoic acid has a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to the aromatic ring. The carboxyl group is less reactive than the phenol hydroxyl group and does not form a colored complex with ferric chloride.

In summary:

* Phenols + FeCl₃ → Colored complex (often purple, blue, or green)

* Benzoic acid + FeCl₃ → No color change