BENZOIC ACID

Benzoic Acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid that is slightly soluble in water and moderately soluble in alcohol and ether. 
Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative and its derivatives are valuable in medicine, commerce, and industry.
Benzoic acid is a compound comprising a benzene ring core carrying a carboxylic acid substituent.

CAS Number: 65-85-0
Molecular Formula: C7H6O2
Molecular Weight: 122.12
EINECS Number: 200-618-2

Synonyms: benzoic acid, 65-85-0, Dracylic acid, benzenecarboxylic acid, Benzeneformic acid, Carboxybenzene, phenylformic acid, Benzenemethanoic acid, Phenylcarboxylic acid, Retardex, Benzoesaeure GK, Benzoesaeure GV, Retarder BA, Tenn-Plas, Acide benzoique, Salvo liquid, Solvo powder, Benzoesaeure, Benzoic acid tech., Unisept BZA, HA 1 (acid), Kyselina benzoova, FEMA No. 2131, Benzenemethonic acid, Vevovitall, Acido benzoico, Menno-florades, Benzoicum acidum, E210, AI3-0310, CHEBI:30746, Acidum benzoicum, NSC-149, E210, 8SKN0B0MIM, Benzoic acid (e 210), Sodium benzoic acid, Tennplas, INS NO.210, DTXSID6020143, INS-210, Phenyl carboxylic acid, DTXCID80143, E-210, Provita, Provita Combat, Whitfield's, Eyelids Wipes, Provita Equiband, Acid Benzoic, Rheumatism Diarrhea, Benzoate Potassium, RefChem:6620, 200-618-2, hydron;benzoate, Benzoic acid natural, Benzoate (VAN), HA 1, Benzoesaeure [German], Caswell No. 081, Diacylic acid, Oracylic acid, Acide benzoique [French], Acido benzoico [Italian], Kyselina benzoova [Czech], NSC 149, MFCD00002398, CCRIS 1893, Diacylate, HSDB 704, Salvo liquid, Solvo powder, AI3-03710, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 009101, Aromatic carboxylic acid, BENZOIC-4-D1 ACID, Benzoic acid 100 microg/mL in Acetone, Benzoic Acid 2000 microg/mL in Dichloromethane, Benzoic acid [USAN:JAN], CAS-65-85-0, NSC7918, Benzoic acid (TN), EINECS 200-618-2, UNII-8SKN0B0MIM, Benzoic acid [USP:JAN], phenylcarboxy, Dracylate, benzoic aicd, benzoic-acid, benzoic_acid, bezoic acid, Aromatic acid, benzenecarboxylic, Salvo powder, benzoic- acid, Retarder BAX, 1gyx, 1kqb, Glycopyrronium Bromide EP Impurity D, 760 - Preservatives, ANTAZOLINE_met016, Benzoic acid (Standard), WLN: QVR, benzene-2-carboxylic acid, EUCATROPINE_met034, CYCLANDELATE_met022, BENZOIC ACID [II], BENZOIC ACID [MI], Benzoic acid ACS reagent, bmse000300, CHEMBL541, Epitope ID:139965, EC 200-618-2, BENZOIC ACID [FCC], BENZOIC ACID [JAN], SCHEMBL1378, SCHEMBL1809, BENZOIC ACID [FHFI], BENZOIC ACID [HSDB], SAMPL4 O1, TRIPELENNAMINE_met034, SCHEMBL20583, SCHEMBL22028, Benzoic acid (JP18/USP), BENZOIC ACID [VANDF], MLS002415717, 27 - Preservatives in Cream, BENZOIC ACID [MART.], BIDD:ER0597, SCHEMBL129247, BENZOIC ACID [USP-RS], BENZOIC ACID [WHO-DD], BENZOIC ACID [WHO-IP], Benzoic acid AR >=99%, Benzoic acid LR >=99%, NSC149, orb1310251, SCHEMBL1518068, SCHEMBL1533094, SCHEMBL1939722, SCHEMBL3859000, SCHEMBL4626763, 31 - Preservatives in Mascara, BENZOICUM ACIDUM [HPUS], SCHEMBL11324395, HY-N0216R, Benzoic acid (7CI,8CI,9CI), Benzoic acid analytical standard, Benzoic acid p.a. 99.5%, MSK2501, BENZOIC ACID [GREEN BOOK], BDBM197302, HMS2092F18, HMS2267D03, HMS3652B03, HMS5082G22, Pharmakon1600-01503001, BENZOIC ACID [EP MONOGRAPH], HY-N0216, MBA96084, SAA21784, Tox21_202403, Tox21_300180, BENZOIC ACID [USP MONOGRAPH], NSC758203, s4161, SBB040515, STK301730, Benzoic acid ReagentPlus(R) 99%, AKOS000119619, BS-3752, CCG-213088, DB03793, FB33492, NSC-758203, ACIDUM BENZOICUM [WHO-IP LATIN], Benzoic acid >=99.5% FCC FG, Benzoic acid ACS reagent >=99.5%, NCGC00091886-01, NCGC00091886-02, NCGC00091886-03, NCGC00091886-05, NCGC00254112-01, NCGC00259952-01, TIAPROFENIC ACID IMPURITY D [EP], Benzoic acid USP 99.5-100.5%, BP-30148, MSK2501-1000, SMR001252220, SY009192, Benzoic acid tested according to Ph.Eur., SBI-0206720.P001, Benzoic acid SAJ first grade >=99.5%, DB-029471, B0062, B2635, Benzoic Acid (Discontinued), CS-0008257, NS00008785, ST45061539, SW219833-1, Benzoic acid natural >=99.5% FCC FG, Benzoic acid SAJ special grade >=99.5%, Benzoic acid Vetec reagent grade 98%, EN300-18007, 2-BENZOYL-5-METHOXYBENZOQUINONE_met032, Benzoic acid meets USP testing specifications, Benzoic acid purified by sublimation >=99%, C00180, C00539, D00038, D85168, MEFENAMIC ACID IMPURITY D [EP], AB00949635_05, AB00949635_06, A835250, Benzoic acid Solution in Acetonitrile 1000 µg/mL, Benzoic Acid Zone Refined, F237766, Q191700, SR-05000001919, Benzoic acid puriss p.a. ACS reagent 99.9%, SR-05000001919-1, 0BE368DC-6DE6-4927-AECF-E4BB2968A4A0, BRD-K53397409-001-11-5, BRD-K53397409-001-12-3, BRD-K53397409-001-13-1, GLYCOPYRRONIUM BROMIDE IMPURITY D, Melting point standard 121-123°C, METRONIDAZOLE BENZOATE IMPURITY C, Z57127480, F2191-0092, HYDROUS BENZOYL PEROXIDE IMPURITY B, Benzoic acid NIST SRM 39j, Benzoic acid Standard for quantitative NMR, Benzoic acid puriss p.a. >=99.9%, 14322-82-8, B A, Benzoic acid CRM for titrimetry >=99.5%, Benzoic acid meets Ph.Eur BP USP FCC 99.5-100.5%, Mettler-Toledo Calibration substance ME18555, ScavengePore benzoic acid macroporous 40-70 mesh, 210;a 1 (acid);Acide benzoique;Benzoic aBenzoic acidcid;Mefenamic Acid Impurity D;Benzyl acid;SS Benzoic Acid;Glycopyrronium Bromide EP Impurity D

Benzoic Acid is the simplest member of the aromatic carboxylic acid family. 
Benzoic Acid is a weak acid that is a precursor for the synthesis of many important organic compounds. 
More than 90 percent of commercial benzoic acid is converted directly to phenol and caprolactam. 

Benzoic Acids use in the production of glycol benzoates for the application of plasticizer in adhesive formulations is increasing. 
The organic compound is also used in the manufacture of alkyd resins and drilling mud additive for crude oil recovery applications. 
Benzoic Acid is also used as a rubber polymerization activator, retardant, resins, alkyd paint, plasticizers, dyestuffs, and fibers. 

Benzoic acid and its esters occur in apricots, cranberries, mushrooms and jasmine plants. 
The history of benzoic acid dates back to sixteenth century. 
In the year of 1875 Salkowski a prominent scientist discovered its antifungal abilities. 

In medicine, benzoic acid is the principal component of benzoin resin, and is a constituent of Whitfield’s ointment which is used for the treatment of fungal skin diseases such as tinea, ringworm, and athlete’s foot.
Benzoic Acid is a white or colorless crystalline organic compound with the formula C6H5COOH, whose structure consists of a benzene ring (C6H6) with a carboxyl (−C(=O)OH) substituent. 
The benzoyl group is often abbreviated "Bz" (not to be confused with "Bn," which is used for benzyl), thus benzoic acid is also denoted as BzOH, since the benzoyl group has the formula –C6H5CO. 

Benzoic Acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid. 
The name is derived from gum benzoin, which was for a long time its only source.
Benzoic acid occurs naturally in many plants[9] and serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites. 

Salts of benzoic acid are used as food preservatives. 
Benzoic acid is an important precursor for the industrial synthesis of many other organic substances. 
The salts and esters of benzoic acid are known as benzoates (/ˈbɛnzoʊ.eɪts/).

Benzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid composed of a benzene ring attached to a single carboxyl group, and it typically appears as white crystalline flakes that dissolve slightly in water but more readily in organic solvents.
Benzoic Acid is considered one of the fundamental parent structures in organic chemistry because numerous industrial, pharmaceutical, and biochemical compounds are derived directly from it.
This substance also occurs naturally in many fruits, plants, and essential oils, while industrial production is mainly achieved through the controlled oxidation of toluene.

Benzoic acid is used extensively as a preservative because its acidic environment inhibits the growth of yeast, bacteria, and molds in foods, drinks, and cosmetic formulations.
It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of benzoyl chloride, alkyd resins, plasticizers, phenolic resins, dyes, fragrances, and various specialty chemicals.
Its physicochemical stability and ability to form salts and esters make it versatile for chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical applications, and laboratory use.

Benzoic acid is recognized under the food additive code E210, which highlights its role as a preservative in acidic food products such as soft drinks, juices, sauces, and pickles.
In analytical chemistry, it is commonly used as a calibration and melting-point standard due to its well-defined thermal properties and high purity availability.
Environmental and biological systems also utilize benzoic acid derivatives, as these molecules play roles in plant defense mechanisms and metabolic pathways in living organisms.

Scaly or needle like crystals with the smell of formaldehyde or benzene. 
Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, methanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, benzene, toluene, CS2, CCl4 and turpentine.
Benzoic acid was found in the 16th century. 

In 1556, Nostradamus first described carbonization effect of benzoin; After the Alexius Pedemontanus and Brian blessed decipher were discovered in 1560 and 1596. 
In 1875, the salkowski discovered the antifungal potency of benzoic acid, so benzoic acid is used for long term preservation cloudberry.
Benzoic acid is a colorless, crystalline solid also known as benzenecarboxylic acid. 

Benzoic Acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid, with a carboxyl group (-COOH) bonded directly to the benzene ring. 
It is found naturally in the benzoin resin of a number of plants.
Benzoic acid,C6H5COOH, also known as benzene carboxylic acid and phenyl formic acid,is a colorless, monoclinic crystalline solid that has a melting point of 122.4"C and sublimes readily at 100·C.  

Benzoic Acid has a role as an antimicrobial food preservative, an EC 3.1.1.3 (triacylglycerol lipase) inhibitor, an EC 1.13.11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, a plant metabolite, a human xenobiotic metabolite, an algal metabolite and a drug allergen. 
It is a conjugate acid of a benzoate.
Benzoic acid was discovered in the sixteenth century. 

The dry distillation of gum benzoin was first described by Nostradamus (1556), and then by Alexius Pedemontanus (1560) and Blaise de Vigenère (1596).
Justus von Liebig and Friedrich Wöhler determined the composition of benzoic acid.
These latter also investigated how hippuric acid is related to benzoic acid.

In 1875 Salkowski discovered the antifungal properties of benzoic acid, which explains the preservation of benzoate-containing cloudberry fruits.
Benzoic acid is produced commercially by partial oxidation of toluene with oxygen the process is catalyzed by cobalt or manganese naphthenates. 
The process uses abundant materials, and proceeds in high yield.

The first industrial process involved the reaction of benzotrichloride (trichloromethyl benzene) with calcium hydroxide in water, using iron or iron salts as catalyst. 
The resulting calcium benzoate is converted to benzoic acid with hydrochloric acid. 

Benzoic Acid contains significant amounts of chlorinated benzoic acid derivatives. 
For this reason, benzoic acid for human consumption was obtained by dry distillation of gum benzoin. Food-grade benzoic acid is now produced synthetically.

Melting point: 121–125 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 249 °C (lit.)
Density: 1.08
Bulk density: 500 kg/m³
Vapor density: 4.21 (vs air)
Vapor pressure: 10 mm Hg (132 °C)
Refractive index: 1.504
FEMA: 2131 | BENZOIC ACID
Flash point: 250 °F
Storage temp.: 2–8 °C
Solubility: soluble, clear, colorless (95% ethanol, 1 g/3 mL)
Form: Solid
pKa: 4.19 (25 °C)
Color: White to yellow-beige to orange
pH: 3.66 (1 mM); 3.12 (10 mM); 2.6 (100 mM)
Odor: faint balsam urine (100%)
Odor Type: balsamic
Biological source: synthetic
Water solubility: Slightly soluble (0.34 g/100 mL)
Merck: 14,1091
JECFA Number: 850
BRN: 636131
Henry’s Law Constant: 7.02 ×10⁻⁸ atm·m³/mol
Stability: Stable; combustible; incompatible with strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, alkalies
InChIKey: WPYMKLBDIGXBTP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP: 1.870

Benzoic acid is an aromatic monocarboxylic acid consisting of a planar benzene ring attached to a single carboxyl functional group, giving it both hydrophobic and weakly acidic characteristics that influence its reactivity.
It typically appears as white crystalline flakes or needles that have a faint, pleasant odor and display moderate stability under normal environmental conditions.
Although only slightly soluble in cold water, its solubility increases with temperature and it dissolves easily in alcohols, ethers, and many organic solvents used in industrial processes.

Benzoic acid is one of the most fundamental parent molecules in organic and industrial chemistry because countless chemicals—including pharmaceuticals, dyes, alkyd resins, plasticizers, and preservatives—use it as a core precursor.
Its molecular simplicity combined with its aromatic stability allows it to undergo numerous electrophilic aromatic substitutions, esterifications, and salt-formation reactions that make it indispensable in synthesis.
This multifunctional reactivity explains why benzoic acid is considered a basic building block in polymer chemistry, perfumery intermediates, fuel additives, and analytical calibration materials.

Benzoic acid also occurs naturally in a wide variety of biological systems such as cranberries, plums, cinnamon, cloves, and many essential oils, where it contributes to natural defense mechanisms of plants against microbes.
In environmental chemistry, it is part of the natural degradation and metabolic pathways that transform complex aromatic compounds into simpler structures that microorganisms can utilize.
Because of its widespread presence in nature and its non-volatile crystalline form, benzoic acid is considered a relatively environmentally stable compound that can be easily monitored and quantified.

In industrial manufacturing, benzoic acid is produced mainly through the partial oxidation of toluene using metal catalysts under controlled temperatures and oxygen supply, resulting in high-purity output at low cost.
This large-scale process makes benzoic acid readily available for use in food preservation, polymer production, pharmaceutical synthesis, and numerous chemical transformations.
Its well-defined purity grades—such as ACS, USP, EP, reagent grade, food grade, and special grade—allow industries to select the exact specification appropriate for their formulations.

Benzoic acid is recognized globally under the food additive code E210 and is used as a preservative in acidic foods because it prevents microbial growth by inhibiting enzymatic pathways essential to bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
This inhibitory effect occurs more efficiently at low pH, which explains why benzoic acid and its salts are found in soft drinks, fruit juices, carbonated beverages, pickles, and sauces.
Its preservative action, combined with its stability and low cost, makes it one of the most widely used antimicrobial additives in food technology.

In laboratory and analytical chemistry, benzoic acid is used as a melting-point calibration standard because its melting temperature remains sharply defined and reproducible across instruments and conditions.
It is also employed as a reference substance in calorimetric studies, where its combustion is used to calibrate bomb calorimeters due to its known heat of combustion.
These consistent thermal properties make benzoic acid a benchmark compound for accuracy testing and standardized measurements.

Benzoic acid and its derivatives play significant roles in pharmaceutical science, particularly in topical antifungal creams, anti-microbial formulations, and ointments where it enhances product stability and activity.
Its aromatic structure enables the creation of numerous drug intermediates, prodrugs, and active pharmaceutical ingredients that rely on benzoyl groups for biological function.
As a result, benzoic acid is deeply integrated into medicinal chemistry, dermatological preparations, and compound synthesis pipelines.

Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are commonly used food preservative. 
In acidic conditions, it has inhibitory effect on yeast and mold. 
When pH value is 3 antibacterial strength, when pH was 6 for a lot of mould effect is very poor, so the inhibition the optimum pH value is 2.5-4.0.

In the food industry with plastic barrels concentrated fruit and vegetable juice, the maximum usage shall not exceed 2.0g/kg; in the jam (not including canned), fruit juice (taste) drinks, soy sauce, vinegar in the maximum amount is 1.0g/kg; in Wine, candy, wine in the maximum amount of 0.8g/kg in the low salt; pickles, sauces, candied fruit, use the largest 0.5g/kg in carbonate; use the largest beverage 0.2g/kg. because of solubility of benzoic acid, when used will be stirring, or dissolved in a small amount of hot water or ethanol. 
The use of concentrated fruit juice in the soft drink used for benzoic acid easily volatile with steam, it is commonly used in the sodium salt. 

Benzoic acid in food industry is a common preservative in dairy products, but not allowed to be added. 
In general, benzoic acid is considered to be safe. 
But for some special populations, including infants, long-term intake of benzoic acid may lead to asthma, urticaria, metabolic acidosis and other adverse reactions. 

Paul deodorant benzoic acid is also used as a beverage. 
As the cream sweet perfume fragrance. 
Can also be used for chocolate, lemon, orange, sub berries, nuts, candied fruit and other edible flavor type. 

Tobacco flavor also commonly used. 
In addition of benzoic acid is also used as a pesticide, medicine, dye, mordant and plasticizer agent for the production of raw materials, polyamide resin and alkyd resin modifying agent and steel equipment anti rust agent.
Benzoic Acid gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. 

Benzoic Acid contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. 
If Benzoic Acid has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. 
Benzoic acid is cheap and readily available, so the laboratory synthesis of benzoic acid is mainly practiced for its pedagogical value. 

Benzoic Acid is a common undergraduate preparation.
Benzoic acid can be purified by recrystallization from water because of its high solubility in hot water and poor solubility in cold water. 
The avoidance of organic solvents for the recrystallization makes this experiment particularly safe. 

This process usually gives a yield of around 65%.
Like other nitriles and amides, benzonitrile and benzamide can be hydrolyzed to benzoic acid or its conjugate base in acid or basic conditions.
Bromobenzene can be converted to benzoic acid by "carboxylation" of the intermediate phenylmagnesium bromide.

This synthesis offers a convenient exercise for students to carry out a Grignard reaction, an important class of carbon–carbon bond forming reaction in organic chemistry.
Benzoic Acid and benzyl chloride and virtually all benzyl derivatives are readily oxidized to benzoic acid.
Benzoic acid was first isolated from the dry distillation of benzoin by Blaise de Vigenère (1523–1596) in the 16th century. Friedrich W?hler (1800–1882) and Justus von Liebig (1803–1873) prepared benzoic acid from oxidizing bitter almond oil (benzaldehyde) in 1832 and determined the formula for each of these compounds. 

They proposed that bitter almond oil, C7H6O, and benzoic acid were derivatives from the benzoyl radical, C7H5O; the radical theory was a major early theory in the development of organic chemistry.
Benzoic acid is produced commercially by partial oxidation of toluene with oxygen. 
The process is catalyzed by cobalt or manganese naphthenates. 

The process uses cheap raw materials, proceeds in high yield, and is considered environmentally green.
Benzoic acid is cheap and readily available, so the laboratory synthesis of benzoic acid is mainly practiced for its pedagogical value. 
Benzoic Acid is a common undergraduate preparation.

For all syntheses, benzoic acid can be purified by recrystallization from water because of its high solubility in hot water and poor solubility in cold water. 
The avoidance of organic solvents for the recrystallization makes this experiment particularly safe. 
Other possible recrystallization solvents include acetic acid (anhydrous or aqueous), benzene, acetone, petroleum ether, and a mixture of ethanol and water. 

The solubility of benzoic acid in over 40 solvents with references to original sources can be found as part of the Open Notebook Science Challenge.
Benzoic acid is exclusively chemically synthesized on an industrial scale. 
Toluene from petrochemical routes is oxidized in the presence of the catalyst potassium permanganate to benzoic acid. 

However, a recent study described for the first time a benzoic acid production process by fermentation using Streptomyces maritimus. 
The production of benzoic acid during cultivation on glucose, starch, and cellobiose has been investigated. 
The best results have been achieved with product concentrations of 460 mg.L-1 in 6 days using starch as substrate. 

Additionally, a genetically modified S. maritimus optimized for endo-glucanasesecretion has been tested on phosphoric acid swollen cellulose. 
A final product concentration of 125 mg.L-1 was observed after 4 days of cultivation.
Benzoic Acid, also known as boracic acid, orthoboric acid, and sassolite, is a white solid composed of triclinic crystals.

It is a derivative of barium oxide and is soluble in water. 
A white crystalline solid. Slightly soluble in water. 
The primary hazard is the potential for environmental damage if released. 

Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. 
Used to make other chemicals, as a food preservative, and for other uses.
Benzoic Acid occurs naturally free and bound as benzoic acid esters in many plant and animal species. 

Appreciable amounts have been found in most berries (around 0.05 %). 
Ripe fruits of several Vaccinium species (e.g., cranberry, V. vitis idaea; bilberry, V. macrocarpon) contain as much as 0.03 – 0.13 % free benzoic acid. 
Benzoic acid is also formed in apples after infection with the fungus Nectria galligena. 

Among animals, benzoic acid has been identified primarily in omnivorous or phytophageous species, e.g., in viscera and muscles of the Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) as well as in gland secretions of male muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) or Asian bull elephants (Elephas maximus).
Benzoic acid is used in production of plasticizers, benzoyl chloride, sodium benzoate and alkyl resins; in the manufacture of benzoates; in the manufacture of food preservatives; as a dye binder in calico printing; in curing of tobacco, flavors, perfumes, dentifrices; standard in analytical chemistry; antifungal agent.

Uses:
Benzoic Acid is used as a chemical reagent and preservative.
Benzoic Acid is important type food preservative. 
Under acidic conditions, It has inhibitory effects to mold, yeast and bacteria , but the effect is weak acid producing bacteria. 

The most appropriate antimicrobial pH values is ranging from 2.5 to 4, generally lower, the pH value is appropriate from 4.5 to 5. 
In the food industry with plastic barrels concentrated fruit and vegetable juice, the maximum use amount shall not be over 2.0g/kg; in jam (excluding canned), (taste) juice drink, soy sauce, vinegar in the maximum dose of 1.0g/kg; in soft candy, wine, wine in the maximum dose of 0.8 g/kg separately; in the low salt pickled vegetables, the sauce, candied fruit, maximum dose is 0.5 g/kg; in carbonated drinks in the largest amount of use is 0.2g/kg. due to benzoic acid, slightly soluble in water, its use can be a small amount of ethanol enable dissolved.

Due to the low solubility of benzoic acid and use shall be stirring, or dissolved in a small amount of hot water or ethanol. 
When used in the soft drink with fruit juice concentrate, for benzoic acid easy volatile with the water vapor, so often used in the sodium salt, besides the above sodium equivalent to benzoic acid 0.847g.
Also used as a fruit juice aroma conservation agents. 

As a perfume with perfume fragrance. 
Can also be used for chocolate, lemon, orange, berries, nuts, candied fruit type edible essence. 
Tobacco flavor is also commonly used.

Under acidic conditions, it has inhibition of yeasts and molds. 
When pH 3, antibacterial strength and when pH 6, many fungi effect is very poor, so the antibacterial optimum pH is 2.5-4.0. 
Benzoic acid is mainly used for the production of sodium benzoate preservatives, dyes intermediates, pesticides, plasticizers, mordant, medicine, spice and also can be used as alkyd resin and polyamide resin modifier for the production of polyester, terephthalic acid and used equipment, iron and steel anti rust agent.

Benzoic Acid is used in medicine, dye carriers, plasticizer, spices and food preservatives such as production, and can also be used to paint of alkyd resin performance improvement; used as pharmaceutical and dye intermediates, used for the preparation of plasticizer and spices etc., as well as equipment, iron and steel anti rust agent.
Benzoic Acid is an important benzoic acid derivative produced industrially by neutralization of benzoic acid using sodium hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate solution. 
Calcium benzoate, potassium benzoate, and other benzoate salts are also produced. 

Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate (C6H5COONa) are used as food preservatives and added to foods, juices, and beverages that are acidic.
Benzoic acid is widely used as a food preservative because it effectively inhibits the growth of yeast, bacteria, and molds in acidic foods by disrupting microbial metabolic pathways.
It is incorporated into soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, salad dressings, jams, syrups, and various acidic beverages as part of the preservative system under the code E210.

Its preservative effect increases significantly at low pH, which makes it particularly valuable in food products that naturally contain organic acids.
Benzoic acid is also used extensively as a precursor in chemical synthesis, serving as the starting material for producing benzoyl chloride, benzoate plasticizers, alkyd resins, and aromatic esters.
These derivatives are important in manufacturing polymers, coatings, adhesives, surfactants, and specialty chemicals used in industrial and consumer applications.

Its ability to undergo esterification and salt formation makes it a core intermediate in organic synthesis across multiple chemical industries.
In the pharmaceutical field, benzoic acid is employed as an antimicrobial and antifungal agent in topical creams, ointments, medicated powders, and disinfectant formulations.
It enhances the stability and activity of dermatological preparations designed to treat fungal skin infections, athlete’s foot, and microbial irritations.

Benzoic Acid is also used to manufacture pharmaceutical intermediates and active ingredients where benzoyl functional groups are required.
Benzoic acid is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a preservative and formulation stabilizer, protecting creams, lotions, cleansers, and makeup products from microbial contamination.

Its compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients allows it to maintain product quality during long-term storage and distribution.
The compound is included in mascara, creams, gels, and cleansing wipes to extend shelf life and prevent ingredient degradation.

In laboratory science, benzoic acid serves as a melting point calibration standard because of its sharp and consistent melting behavior across different analytical instruments.
It is also employed in calorimetry as a reference for determining the heat output in bomb calorimeter systems due to its well-defined combustion enthalpy.
These precise thermal properties make benzoic acid essential for analytical accuracy in educational, industrial, and research laboratories.

Benzoic acid is used in the production of perfumes, flavors, and aromatic compounds where benzoyl derivatives provide characteristic notes and stabilization functions.
Its aromatic core allows chemists to create esters that contribute fruity, sweet, or floral scents to fragrances and flavoring agents.
This makes benzoic acid valuable in both the fragrance industry and the formulation of synthetic flavorings used in food and beverages.

Benzoic acid is also applied in industrial corrosion inhibition systems, where its salts help protect metal surfaces in cooling water circuits and process equipment.
Its presence in these systems reduces oxidative degradation and extends the lifespan of metal infrastructure.
This protective role is especially significant in industrial plants, chemical processing units, and water treatment technologies.

Benzoic acid is the most commonly used chemical standard to determine the heat of capacity of a bomb calorimeter.
Benzoic acid is used to make a large number of chemicals, important examples of which are Benzoyl chloride, C6H5C(O)Cl, is obtained by treatment of benzoic with thionyl chloride, phosgene or one of the chlorides of phosphorus. 
C6H5C(O) Cl is an important starting material for several benzoic acid derivates like benzyl benzoate, which is used in artificial flavours and insect repellents.

Benzoic acid and its salts are used as a food preservatives, represented by the E-numbers E210 , E211 , E212 , and E213 . 
Benzoic acid inhibits the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria. 
Benzoic Acid is either added directly or created from reactions with its sodium, potassium, or calcium salt. 

The mechanism starts with the absorption of benzoic acid in to the cell.
Benzoic acid is a constituent of Whitfiel's ointment which is used for the treatment of fungal skin diseases such as tinea, ringworm, and athlete's foot. 
As the principal component of benzoin resin, benzoic acid is also a major ingredient in both tincture of benzoin and Fria's balsam. 

Such products have a long history of use as topical antiseptics and inhalant decongestants.
Benzoic acid was used as an expectorant, analgesic, and antiseptic in the early 20th century.
Benzoic acid is widely used in cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals, as an antimicrobial preservative. Greatest activity is seen at pH values between 2.5–4.5.

Benzoic acid also has a long history of use as an antifungal agent in topical therapeutic preparations such as Whitfield’s ointment (benzoic acid 6% and salicylic acid 3%).
Benzoic acid is mainly consumed in the production of phenol by oxidative decarboxylation at 300−400 °C: C6H5CO2H + ½ O2 → C6H5OH + CO2
The temperature required can be lowered to 200 °C by the addition of catalytic amounts of copper(II) salts. 

The phenol can be converted to cyclohexanol, which is a starting material for nylon synthesis.
Benzoate plasticizers, such as the glycol-, diethyleneglycol-, and triethyleneglycol esters, are obtained by transesterification of methyl benzoate with the corresponding diol. 
These plasticizers, which are used similarly to those derived from terephthalic acid ester, represent alternatives to phthalates.

Benzoic acid and its salts are used as food preservatives, represented by the E numbers E210, E211, E212, and E213. 
Benzoic acid inhibits the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria. 
It is either added directly or created from reactions with its sodium, potassium, or calcium salt. 

The mechanism starts with the absorption of benzoic acid into the cell. 
If the intracellular pH changes to 5 or lower, the anaerobic fermentation of glucose through phosphofructokinase is decreased by 95%. 
The efficacy of benzoic acid and benzoate is thus dependent on the pH of the food.

Benzoic acid, benzoates and their derivatives are used as preservatives for acidic foods and beverages such as citrus fruit juices (citric acid), sparkling drinks (carbon dioxide), soft drinks (phosphoric acid), pickles (vinegar) and other acidified foods.
Typical concentrations of benzoic acid as a preservative in food are between 0.05 and 0.1%. 
Foods in which benzoic acid may be used and maximum levels for its application are controlled by local food laws.

Concern has been expressed that benzoic acid and its salts may react with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in some soft drinks, forming small quantities of carcinogenic benzene.
Benzoic Acid is a constituent of Whitfield's ointment which is used for the treatment of fungal skin diseases such as ringworm and athlete's foot.
As the principal component of gum benzoin, benzoic acid is also a major ingredient in both tincture of benzoin and Friar's balsam. Such products have a long history of use as topical antiseptics and inhalant decongestants.

Benzoic acid was used as an expectorant, analgesic, and antiseptic in the early 20th century.
Benzoic acid is a metabolite of benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. 
These three related compounds are used as preservatives in a variety of products, such as cosmetics, toothpastes, hair products, medication preparations, and emollients, and in foods. 

They are well-recognized to cause nonimmunological CoU and reactions are concentration-dependent.Both oral intake and cutaneous contact of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, or sodium benzoate can cause immediate reactions; however, there is a lack of correlation between the two and skin tests should not be used to predict sensitivity to oral intake of these preservatives.
Immediate reactions to the oral ingestion of these preservatives are rare. Nettis et al. investigated 47 patients with a history of urticaria after the ingestion of meals or products containing sodium benzoate, and only one patient had a generalized urticarial reaction to an oral challenge test of 50 mg of sodium benzoate.

Hazard Profile:
Benzoic acid accumulation is less, low toxicity in the body involved and metabolism. 
If the excessive consumption of benzoic acid, the body's liver and kidney will be jeopardized. 
Maximum safety of carbonated drinks of benzoic acid usage is 5mg/kg of body weight, then calculated according to the weight of 60kg, daily limit is 300mg, benzoic acid for carbonated drinks, the maximum amount of use is 0.2g/kg, then drank 1.5kg of beverage is safe.

Benzoic Acid has strong toxic effects on microorganisms, but the toxicity of the sodium salt is very low. 
A daily dose of 0.5g, has no toxicity to the body , even in an amount of not more than 4g of health also has no harm. 
In human and animal tissues it can bind with protein components of the glycine and detoxification, formed hippuric acid excreted in the urine. 

Benzoic acid crystallites or dust on the skin, eyes, nose, and throat has stimulating effect. 
Even if its sodium salt, if you take a lot, also can damage to the stomach. The operator should wear protective equipment.
Need to be stored in a dry and ventilated place moisture, heat, away from the fire source.

Safety Profile:
Ingested benzoic acid is conjugated with glycine in the liver to yield hippuric acid, which is then excreted in the urine; care should be taken when administering benzoic acid to patients with chronic liver disease.
Benzoic acid is a gastric irritant, and a mild irritant to the skin. 
It is also a mild irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes. 

Allergic reactions to benzoic acid have been reported, although a controlled study indicated that the incidence of urticaria in patients given benzoic acid is no greater than in those given a lactose placebo. 
Benzoic Acid has been reported that asthmatics may become adversely affected by benzoic acid contained in some antiasthma drugs.
The WHO acceptable daily intake of benzoic acid and other benzoates, calculated as benzoic acid, has been set at up to 5 mg/kg body-weight. 

The minimum lethal human oral dose of benzoic acid is 500 mg/kg body-weight.
It is excreted as hippuric acid.
Benzoic acid is metabolized by butyrate-CoA ligase into an intermediate product, benzoyl-CoA, which is then metabolized by glycine N-acyltransferase into hippuric acid.

Humans metabolize toluene which is also excreted as hippuric acid.
For humans, the World Health Organization's International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) suggests a provisional tolerable intake would be 5 mg/kg body weight per day.
Cats have a significantly lower tolerance against benzoic acid and its salts than rats and mice. 

Lethal dose for cats can be as low as 300 mg/kg body weight.
The oral LD50 for rats is 3040 mg/kg, for mice it is 1940–2263 mg/kg.[33]
In Taipei, Taiwan, a city health survey in 2010 found that 30% of dried and pickled food products had benzoic acid.