Benzoic Acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid widely used as a preservative, intermediate, and functional additive in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
Benzoic Acid is valued for strong antifungal and antibacterial preservation in acidic systems, and Benzoic Acid is commonly used directly or through salts such as sodium benzoate depending on solubility needs.
Benzoic Acid works best at low pH where the undissociated acid form is higher, so Benzoic Acid use requires pH control, good dispersion, and formulation validation to achieve reliable shelf-life performance.
CAS Number: 65-85-0
EC Number: 200-618-2
Molecular Formula: C7H6O2
Molecular Weight: 122.12 g/mol
Synonyms: Benzoic Acid, E210, Benzenecarboxylic Acid, Phenylformic Acid (historical), Benzoic Acid Preservative, Benzoic Acid Food Grade, Benzoic Acid Antimicrobial, Benzoic Acid Powder, Benzoic Acid Flakes, Benzoic Acid FCC, Benzoic Acid USP, Benzoic Acid E210, Benzoic Acid, Benzenecarboxylic Acid, Phenylcarboxylic Acid, Benzeneformic Acid, Carboxybenzene, Dracylic Acid, Benzoate Acid, Benzoic Acid FCC, Benzoic Acid USP, Benzoic Acid BP, Benzoic Acid EP, Benzoic Acid NF, Benzoic Acid ACS, Benzoic Acid Reagent Grade, Benzoic Acid Analytical Grade, Benzoic Acid Laboratory Grade, Benzoic Acid Pure, Benzoic Acid Food Grade, Benzoic Acid Technical Grade, Benzoic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade, Benzoic Acid Industrial Grade, Benzoic Acid Preservative Grade, Benzoic Acid Antimicrobial Grade, Benzoic Acid Powder, Benzoic Acid Crystalline, Benzoic Acid White Powder, Benzoic Acid White Crystals, Benzoic Acid Flakes, Benzoic Acid Granular, Benzoic Acid Food Additive, Benzoic Acid Preservative, Benzoic Acid Food Preservative, Benzoic Acid Beverage Preservative, Benzoic Acid Cosmetic Preservative, Benzoic Acid Personal Care Preservative, Benzoic Acid Antimicrobial, Benzoic Acid Antifungal, Benzoic Acid Mold Inhibitor, Benzoic Acid Yeast Inhibitor, Benzoic Acid Stabilizer, Benzoic Acid Shelf Life Extender, Benzoic Acid E210, E210, INS 210, Benzoic Acid CAS 65-85-0, Benzoic Acid C7H6O2, C7H6O2, C6H5COOH, Benzoic Acid C6H5COOH, Benzenemethanoic Acid, Benzene Carboxylic Acid, Benzenecarbonsäure, Acide Benzoique, Acido Benzoico, Benzoesaeure, Benzoic Acid Natural Identical, Benzoic Acid Synthetic, Benzoic Acid High Purity, Benzoic Acid Pharma Grade, Benzoic Acid Tech Grade, Benzoic Acid FG, Benzoic Acid Odorless Grade, Benzoic Acid Water Soluble Grade, Benzoic Acid Fine Powder, Benzoic Acid Acid Preservative, Benzoic Acid Bacteriostatic Agent, Benzoic Acid Fungal Inhibitor, Benzoic Acid Buffer Component, Benzoic Acid pH Control Agent, Benzoic Acid Organic Acid, Aromatic Carboxylic Acid
APPLICATIONS
Benzoic Acid is used in beverages to inhibit yeast and some bacterial growth in acidic soft drinks and fruit-based drinks.
Benzoic Acid is incorporated into syrups and concentrates to prevent fermentation and spoilage during storage.
Benzoic Acid is used in flavored waters and acidified beverages where pH and preservative system are designed for efficacy.
Benzoic Acid is used in jams, jellies, and fruit preparations to inhibit yeast and mold growth and improve shelf stability after opening.
Benzoic Acid is incorporated into fruit fillings and dessert toppings to reduce spoilage in high-sugar acidic systems.
Benzoic Acid is used in fruit sauces to support preservation hurdles and stable storage.
Benzoic Acid is used in pickles and vegetable products to improve microbial stability in acidified brines.
Benzoic Acid is incorporated into sauces and condiments such as ketchup to reduce spoilage risk in compatible pH ranges.
Benzoic Acid is used in salad dressings to support shelf life by inhibiting yeast and mold growth.
Benzoic Acid is used in bakery fillings and glazes to reduce yeast and mold growth in moist sweet systems.
Benzoic Acid is incorporated into icing and fruit toppings to improve fungal stability in packaged products.
Benzoic Acid is used in high-moisture bakery products to extend shelf life when pH allows effective preservation.
Benzoic Acid is used in pharmaceuticals as an antimicrobial preservative in syrups and topical preparations in compatible pH ranges.
Benzoic Acid is incorporated into ointments and creams to improve microbial stability and prevent spoilage during storage.
Benzoic Acid is used in topical antifungal preparations in some products where benzoic acid contributes to acidifying and preservative effect.
Benzoic Acid is used in cosmetics and personal care as a preservative or preservative booster in compatible acidic formulations.
Benzoic Acid is incorporated into lotions, creams, and rinse-off products where pH is controlled for preservative performance.
Benzoic Acid is used in shampoos and cleansers in some markets as part of preservative systems compliant with local regulations.
Benzoic Acid is used in plasticizers and alkyd resin manufacture as an intermediate to produce benzoate esters used for solvency and flexibility.
Benzoic Acid is incorporated into benzyl benzoate and other benzoate ester production for fragrance, solvent, and plasticizer applications.
Benzoic Acid is used in coatings and adhesives as a raw material for benzoate esters and resin modification chemistry.
Benzoic Acid is used in chemical synthesis as a building block for benzoyl chloride, benzoate salts, and many aromatic intermediates.
Benzoic Acid is incorporated into dye and pigment intermediates where aromatic acid functionality is required.
Benzoic Acid is used in laboratory synthesis and analytical chemistry as a reference compound and reagent.
Benzoic Acid is used in animal feed and silage in some applications to reduce spoilage and inhibit microbial growth in acidified systems.
Benzoic Acid is incorporated into feed preservation strategies where regulations and safety assessments permit.
Benzoic Acid is used in multi-hurdle preservation approaches alongside pH control, packaging, and sanitation.
Benzoic Acid is valued because Benzoic Acid provides reliable preservation and versatile intermediate chemistry, especially in acidic systems where Benzoic Acid is most effective.
Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative in acidic foods and beverages.
Benzoic Acid inhibits yeasts and molds most effectively at low pH.
Benzoic Acid helps extend shelf life in products prone to microbial spoilage.
Benzoic Acid is used in fruit juices and juice drinks to control yeast spoilage.
Benzoic Acid supports stability of acidic juice blends during distribution and storage.
Benzoic Acid helps prevent fermentation, haze, and package swelling caused by yeast growth.
Benzoic Acid is used in carbonated soft drinks as an antimicrobial preservative in some systems.
Benzoic Acid supports microbial stability in flavored sodas and sparkling beverages.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce off-flavors and gassing linked to yeast contamination.
Benzoic Acid is used in flavored waters and sports drinks as a preservation option in acidic formulations.
Benzoic Acid supports shelf stability of low-calorie beverages with added flavors and acids.
Benzoic Acid helps prevent yeast growth that can cause cloudiness and odor change.
Benzoic Acid is used in ready-to-drink teas and acidified herbal drinks to inhibit spoilage organisms.
Benzoic Acid supports shelf stability of sweetened tea beverages in acidic systems.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce risk of unintended fermentation during storage.
Benzoic Acid is used in salad dressings and emulsified sauces with acidic pH.
Benzoic Acid supports control of yeast and mold growth in dressings and sauces.
Benzoic Acid helps extend shelf life after opening in some products.
Benzoic Acid is used in ketchup, tomato sauces, and condiment sauces to inhibit spoilage organisms.
Benzoic Acid supports preservation of tomato-based products with acidic pH.
Benzoic Acid helps prevent surface mold growth and fermentation in condiments.
Benzoic Acid is used in pickles and pickling brines to support microbial stability.
Benzoic Acid supports protection of acidified vegetables from yeast spoilage.
Benzoic Acid helps maintain clarity and flavor stability in brined products.
Benzoic Acid is used in jams, jellies, and fruit spreads to inhibit molds and yeasts.
Benzoic Acid supports shelf life extension in sweet, acidic preserves.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce surface mold formation in opened jars in some systems.
Benzoic Acid is used in syrups and flavored concentrates to prevent microbial growth.
Benzoic Acid supports stability of beverage syrups during storage.
Benzoic Acid helps prevent yeast fermentation in sugar-containing concentrates.
Benzoic Acid is used in confectionery fillings and fruit preparations to control yeast spoilage.
Benzoic Acid supports stability of acidic fruit fillings used in bakery and desserts.
Benzoic Acid helps prevent gas formation and off-odors in fillings.
Benzoic Acid is used in bakery products that include acidic, high-moisture components in some formulations.
Benzoic Acid supports mold inhibition in certain packaged baked goods.
Benzoic Acid helps extend shelf life when water activity and pH conditions allow.
Benzoic Acid is used in tortillas and flatbreads in some markets to reduce mold growth in acidified systems.
Benzoic Acid supports extended shelf life in packaged breads with suitable acidity.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce spoilage-related returns in distribution chains.
Benzoic Acid is used in fermented vegetable products and acidic sauces to control surface yeasts.
Benzoic Acid supports stability when post-processing contamination risk exists.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce film yeast formation and surface spoilage.
Benzoic Acid is used in dairy-based beverages that are acidified and flavored in some systems.
Benzoic Acid supports yeast and mold control in acidic dairy drinks.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce spoilage risk when cold chain is imperfect.
Benzoic Acid is used in plant-based beverages with acidic flavor systems to reduce microbial spoilage.
Benzoic Acid supports shelf stability of flavored plant-based drinks with controlled pH.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce yeast growth that causes haze and off-odors.
Benzoic Acid is used in food preservation programs where benzoic acid itself is preferred over benzoate salts in some formulations.
Benzoic Acid supports preservation while limiting added sodium or potassium from salts.
Benzoic Acid helps maintain benzoate-based preservation chemistry through the benzoic acid form.
Benzoic Acid is used in cosmetics as a preservative component in some systems where permitted and pH is controlled.
Benzoic Acid supports microbial protection in water-based products under suitable acidic conditions.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce growth of yeasts and molds in cosmetics during shelf life.
Benzoic Acid is used in rinse-off personal care products as part of preservative systems.
Benzoic Acid supports microbial control in shampoos and body washes at suitable pH.
Benzoic Acid helps improve product safety by limiting contamination during consumer use.
Benzoic Acid is used in wet wipes and cleansing wipes as a preservative component in some systems.
Benzoic Acid supports preservation of wipe liquids with controlled pH.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce contamination risk in multi-use wipe packs.
Benzoic Acid is used in oral care products such as mouthwashes and gels as a preservative in some formulations.
Benzoic Acid supports microbial stability in water-based oral products.
Benzoic Acid helps maintain product quality during repeated consumer use.
Benzoic Acid is used in pharmaceutical syrups and liquid medicines as a preservative where permitted.
Benzoic Acid supports microbial control in sweetened oral liquid formulations.
Benzoic Acid helps maintain stability of drug products during shelf life.
Benzoic Acid is used in household products such as water-based cleaners as an in-can preservative in some formulations.
Benzoic Acid supports storage stability by preventing microbial spoilage of aqueous cleaners.
Benzoic Acid helps reduce odor and viscosity changes caused by microbial growth.
DESCRIPTION
Benzoic Acid is a white crystalline solid with limited water solubility, and Benzoic Acid is more easily used in liquids as benzoate salts such as sodium benzoate.
Benzoic Acid is a weak acid, and Benzoic Acid preservative effectiveness increases as pH decreases because more undissociated benzoic acid is present.
Benzoic Acid inhibits microbial growth by interfering with cell membrane transport and internal pH balance, and Benzoic Acid is especially effective against yeasts and molds in acidic foods.
Benzoic Acid is commonly produced industrially by oxidation of toluene, and Benzoic Acid is supplied in food, pharma, and technical grades depending on impurity specifications.
Benzoic Acid can contribute to taste changes if overdosed, so Benzoic Acid is typically used at regulated levels with sensory validation.
Benzoic Acid can interact with certain ingredients, and formulation design should consider pH, metal ions, and oxidation conditions to maintain stable preservative performance.
Benzoic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and contamination.
Benzoic Acid dust can irritate eyes and respiratory tract, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
Benzoic Acid should be used according to applicable food additive, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical regulations for the target market.
Benzoic Acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid widely used as a preservative and chemical intermediate.
Benzoic Acid is typically a white crystalline solid with a faint characteristic odor.
Benzoic Acid has limited water solubility, but solubility increases with heat and in the presence of bases that form benzoate salts.
Benzoic Acid preservative activity is strongest in acidic conditions because the undissociated benzoic acid penetrates microbial cells.
Benzoic Acid is most effective against yeasts and molds and shows weaker activity against many bacteria compared with fungi.
Benzoic Acid efficacy depends on pH, water activity, sugar level, and presence of co-preservatives.
Benzoic Acid is commonly used directly or via benzoate salts such as sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate.
Benzoic Acid can be combined with sorbates to broaden antimicrobial coverage in acidic products.
Benzoic Acid can contribute to off-taste at higher levels, so dosage is optimized for efficacy and sensory quality.
Benzoic Acid is also used as an industrial building block for benzoyl chloride, benzoate esters, and resins.
Benzoic Acid is chemically stable under normal storage conditions but can sublime slowly at elevated temperature.
Benzoic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place to prevent contamination and caking.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C7H6O2
Molecular Weight: 122.12 g/mol
Common Name: Benzoic Acid
Chemical Type: Aromatic carboxylic acid; preservative (E210)
Appearance: White crystalline powder or flakes
Odor: Slight characteristic odor
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; more soluble in hot water; soluble in ethanol and many organic solvents
pKa: ~4.20 (typical)
Preservative Activity: Strong in acidic systems; best performance at low pH
Melting Point: ~122°C (typical)
Boiling Point: ~249°C (decomposes; typical)
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; avoid strong oxidizers and contamination
Storage Temperature: 10–25°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24–60 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during weighing and powder transfer.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a large amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from moisture to prevent caking and maintain free-flowing behavior.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep up spilled material and avoid dust generation.
Collect into suitable containers for reuse or disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues with wet wiping if needed to reduce airborne dust.
Handling Precautions:
Control pH and preservative system design because Benzoic Acid effectiveness depends strongly on the undissociated acid fraction at low pH.
Consider benzoate salts when higher solubility is required for liquid products and cold processing.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable preservative performance.