BENZOIC ACID

Benzoic Acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid and a widely used preservative, pH-control agent, chemical intermediate, resin modifier and raw material for benzoate derivatives. Benzoic Acid is a white crystalline solid with CAS Number 65-85-0, EC Number 200-618-2, molecular formula C7H6O2 and molecular weight approximately 122.12 g/mol. Benzoic Acid melts at approximately 122.4°C, boils at approximately 249°C, has a closed-cup flash point around 121°C and is only moderately soluble in water at room temperature while being substantially more soluble in many organic solvents. Benzoic Acid has a pKa around 4.2, making preservative performance strongly pH-dependent because the undissociated acid is the most effective antimicrobial form. Benzoic Acid is used in food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, alkyd and polyester resin manufacture, benzoate salts, benzoyl derivatives, plasticizer intermediates and other industrial chemical processes, but grade selection and regulatory limits must be matched carefully to the intended application.

PRODUCT IDENTITY

Chemical Name: Benzoic Acid
CAS Number: 65-85-0
EC Number: 200-618-2
EU CLP Index Number: 607-705-00-8
PubChem CID: 243
Molecular Formula: C7H6O2
Condensed Formula: C6H5COOH
Molecular Weight: Approximately 122.12 g/mol
IUPAC Name: Benzoic acid
Chemical Class: Aromatic monocarboxylic acid
Functional Group: Carboxylic acid
Physical Form: White crystalline solid, flakes, prills, granules or powder depending on grade and manufacturing form
Appearance: White crystalline material
Odor: Faint characteristic aromatic odor
Melting Point: Approximately 122.4°C
Boiling Point: Approximately 249.2°C
Flash Point: Approximately 121°C closed cup
Density: Approximately 1.27-1.32 g/cm³ for the solid depending on temperature and reference basis
Water Solubility: Slight to moderate; commonly around 3 g/L at approximately 20-25°C, with published values varying by method and temperature
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Readily soluble in alcohols and several other organic solvents
Acid Dissociation Constant: pKa approximately 4.2 at 25°C
Log Kow: Approximately 1.9
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Primary Functions: Preservative, antimicrobial agent, pH-control agent, chemical intermediate, resin modifier and raw material for benzoate derivatives
Food Additive Code: E210 / INS 210
U.S. Food Status: Recognized under 21 CFR 184.1021 for antimicrobial and flavoring/adjuvant use under good manufacturing practice; current usage results in a maximum level of approximately 0.1% in food
EU Cosmetic Preservative Limits: 2.5% in rinse-off products excluding oral products, 1.7% in oral products and 0.5% in leave-on products, expressed as acid and subject to current regulation
Current EU Harmonized Hazard Classification: Skin Irritation Category 2, Serious Eye Damage Category 1 and Specific Target Organ Toxicity Repeated Exposure Category 1 for lungs by inhalation
Primary Industrial Production Route: Catalytic air oxidation of toluene

SYNONYMS

Benzoic Acid, Benzenecarboxylic Acid, Benzene Carboxylic Acid, Benzene-1-Carboxylic Acid, Benzeneformic Acid, Benzene Formic Acid, Benzenemethanoic Acid, Benzene Methanoic Acid, Phenylformic Acid, Phenyl Formic Acid, Phenylcarboxylic Acid, Phenyl Carboxylic Acid, Carboxybenzene, Dracylic Acid, Acidum Benzoicum, Benzoate Acid, E210, INS 210, Food Additive 210, CAS 65-85-0, EC 200-618-2, C7H6O2, C6H5COOH, Benzoic Acid FCC, Benzoic Acid Food Grade, Benzoic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade, Benzoic Acid Technical Grade, Benzoic Acid Industrial Grade, Benzoic Acid Preservative, Benzoic Acid Crystals

WHAT IS BENZOIC ACID?

Benzoic Acid is the simplest member of the aromatic carboxylic acid family.
The molecule consists of a benzene ring bearing one carboxyl group.
Benzoic Acid occurs naturally in free and combined forms in a variety of plants, fruits, spices and natural resins.
Industrial Benzoic Acid is produced primarily by catalytic oxidation of toluene with air.
The substance is important both as a finished functional ingredient and as a chemical building block for many downstream products.
The combination of aromatic structure, moderate acidity, solid crystalline form and chemical reactivity makes Benzoic Acid useful across food, personal care, pharmaceutical, coating, resin and chemical-manufacturing sectors.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Benzoic Acid contains one phenyl ring directly attached to a carboxylic acid group.
The aromatic ring contributes hydrophobic character while the carboxyl group provides acidity and hydrogen-bonding capability.
This balance explains why Benzoic Acid has limited water solubility but good solubility in many organic solvents.
The carboxyl group can form salts, esters, acid chlorides and other benzoyl derivatives.
Benzoic Acid therefore serves as a versatile intermediate for sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, benzyl benzoate, benzoate esters and benzoyl chloride chemistry.
The aromatic carboxylic acid structure also allows Benzoic Acid to function as a monofunctional chain regulator in selected polyester and alkyd resin syntheses.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Benzoic Acid is normally a white crystalline solid at room temperature.
The melting point is approximately 122.4°C and the boiling point is approximately 249.2°C.
The solid density is commonly reported in the approximate 1.27-1.32 g/cm³ range depending on reference temperature and measurement basis.
The flash point is approximately 121°C by closed-cup testing.
Room-temperature vapor pressure is low, but Benzoic Acid can sublime and can generate dust or vapor when heated.
The combination of high melting point and crystalline character affects dissolution, transfer, milling and formulation behavior.

MELTING POINT

Benzoic Acid melts at approximately 122.4°C.
The relatively sharp melting point is useful as an identity and purity indicator.
Impurities can broaden or depress the melting range.
Molten Benzoic Acid can be handled in specialized industrial processes, but temperature must be controlled to prevent unnecessary vapor generation or decomposition.
Routine formulation at room temperature generally uses crystalline powder, flakes, prills or granules rather than molten material.

BOILING POINT

The boiling point of Benzoic Acid is approximately 249.2°C at atmospheric pressure.
Heating toward the boiling range is not required for most applications.
At elevated temperature Benzoic Acid can volatilize or sublime and can create inhalation exposure.
Industrial processes should use closed equipment, ventilation and temperature control where hot Benzoic Acid is present.

FLASH POINT

Benzoic Acid has a closed-cup flash point around 121°C in commonly cited safety data.
This means Benzoic Acid is not comparable to a low-boiling flammable solvent, but combustible behavior remains possible under sufficiently hot conditions.
Dust, molten material and heated vapor should be managed using appropriate fire controls.
The current product-specific SDS should control formal fire classification and firefighting instructions.

DENSITY

Solid Benzoic Acid has a density greater than water.
Published values vary with temperature and measurement basis, with commonly cited solid values around 1.27-1.32 g/cm³.
Density matters in bulk handling, packaging calculations and process design.
For precise commercial calculations, the current product specification or COA should be used.

WATER SOLUBILITY

Benzoic Acid is only moderately soluble in water at room temperature.
Multiple reference sources report solubility around approximately 3 g/L at 20-25°C, although published experimental values vary.
Solubility increases substantially as water temperature rises.
Benzoic Acid becomes much more soluble after neutralization to sodium, potassium or other benzoate salts.
This solubility difference is important when selecting between Benzoic Acid and sodium benzoate for aqueous formulations.
Formulators should account for final pH, ionic strength, temperature and the presence of co-solvents when predicting practical solubility.

SOLUBILITY IN ORGANIC SOLVENTS

Benzoic Acid is much more soluble in many organic solvents than in cold water.
Alcohols such as ethanol and methanol dissolve substantial quantities of Benzoic Acid.
Benzoic Acid is also soluble in acetone, ether and several aromatic or chlorinated solvents.
The exact solubility depends strongly on temperature and solvent composition.
Co-solvent selection can therefore be used to incorporate Benzoic Acid into coating, pharmaceutical or specialty formulations when direct water dissolution is insufficient.

PKA AND ACIDITY

Benzoic Acid has a pKa of approximately 4.2 at 25°C.
At pH below the pKa, a larger fraction of Benzoic Acid remains in the undissociated molecular form.
At pH above the pKa, the benzoate anion increasingly dominates.
This acid-base equilibrium is central to preservative performance.
The undissociated acid crosses microbial membranes more effectively than the ionized benzoate form.
Benzoic Acid is therefore most effective as a preservative in acidic formulations.

PRESERVATIVE MECHANISM

Benzoic Acid acts as an antimicrobial preservative primarily through the undissociated acid form.
Undissociated Benzoic Acid can pass through microbial cell membranes.
Inside a cell with higher internal pH, the acid dissociates and releases protons and benzoate ions.
The microorganism must spend energy restoring internal pH and ion balance.
This stress can inhibit growth, metabolism and enzyme function.
Because the mechanism depends on the undissociated fraction, preservation becomes weaker as formulation pH rises.

PH DEPENDENCE OF PRESERVATION

The preservative efficiency of Benzoic Acid is strongly pH dependent.
A formulation at pH near or below 4 contains a much larger undissociated fraction than a formulation near neutral pH.
This is why Benzoic Acid and benzoate preservatives are especially common in acidic foods, beverages and personal-care systems.
Increasing dosage cannot always compensate efficiently for an unsuitable high pH.
Formulation pH, microbial challenge, packaging and other preservation hurdles should therefore be designed together.
A microbiological challenge test remains necessary for finished products where preservation is critical.

APPLICATIONS

Food preservation
Benzoic Acid is used as an antimicrobial preservative in acidic foods where current food regulations permit its use. Food-grade material meeting the applicable purity specification should be selected.

Acidic beverages
Benzoic Acid and benzoate salts can inhibit yeasts, molds and selected bacteria in acidic beverage systems. Sodium benzoate is often preferred when higher 
water solubility is required.

Fruit beverages
Acidic fruit-based beverages can use Benzoic Acid preservation within the applicable regulatory category and concentration limit.

Fruit preparations
Jams, fruit preparations and similar acidic products can use benzoate preservation where permitted.

Sauces
Acidic sauces and condiment systems can use Benzoic Acid where the pH supports antimicrobial activity and food law permits the use level.

Condiments
Low-pH condiment formulations can benefit from Benzoic Acid preservation within current regional limits.

Pickled products
Acidified vegetable and pickled-food systems can use benzoate preservatives when allowed by the applicable food standard.

Flavoring systems
U.S. food regulations also recognize Benzoic Acid as a flavoring agent or adjuvant under specified conditions.

Food pH control
Benzoic Acid can contribute acidity and pH adjustment, although preservation and flavor impact must be considered together.

Cosmetic preservation
Benzoic Acid is an allowed preservative in cosmetics under current EU concentration limits and can be used in other jurisdictions subject to local 
regulation.

Rinse-off cosmetics
EU cosmetic rules allow Benzoic Acid and its sodium salt up to 2.5% expressed as acid in rinse-off products excluding oral products.

Leave-on cosmetics
EU cosmetic rules allow up to 0.5% expressed as acid in leave-on products.

Oral-care products
EU cosmetic rules allow up to 1.7% expressed as acid in oral products.

Shampoos
Acidic rinse-off hair-care products can use Benzoic Acid or benzoate preservation where the formulation pH and regulation are suitable.

Body washes
Low-pH body-cleansing systems can use Benzoic Acid as part of the preservative strategy.

Liquid soaps
Selected acidic liquid cleansing formulations can use Benzoic Acid or benzoate salts, although high-pH soap systems reduce preservative efficiency.

Skin-care formulations
Acidic leave-on personal-care products can use Benzoic Acid within the applicable concentration limits and after preservation testing.

Pharmaceutical formulations
Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative, formulation ingredient and chemical raw material in pharmaceutical applications where the grade and pharmacopeial 
requirements are appropriate.

Topical preparations
Benzoic Acid has historical and current relevance in selected topical pharmaceutical formulations, but therapeutic claims belong to the finished medicinal 
product rather than to the raw material.

Pharmaceutical excipient systems
Benzoic Acid can serve as an antimicrobial or pH-related excipient where current pharmacopeial and product-specific requirements are met.

Alkyd resins
Benzoic Acid is an important modifier in alkyd resin synthesis. As a monofunctional carboxylic acid it can act as a chain stopper and help control molecular 
weight, viscosity and resin architecture.

Short-oil alkyds
Benzoic Acid can help control resin build in short-oil alkyd technology and can contribute to hardness and gloss development.

Coating resins
Benzoic Acid is used as a chemical additive and raw material in coating-resin production, particularly alkyd and polyester chemistry.

Unsaturated polyester resins
Benzoic Acid can be used as a monofunctional modifier or chain regulator in selected polyester resin processes.

Paints
Benzoic Acid derivatives and benzoate-containing resin chemistry are relevant to paint and coating manufacture.

Industrial coatings
Benzoic Acid-modified alkyd and polyester systems can be used in industrial coating technologies.

Benzoyl chloride production
Benzoic Acid is an important raw material route to benzoyl chloride, a reactive intermediate for benzoyl derivatives.

Benzoyl peroxide intermediates
Benzoyl chloride derived from Benzoic Acid is widely used to manufacture benzoyl peroxide and related benzoyl chemistry.

Sodium benzoate manufacture
Neutralization of Benzoic Acid with sodium hydroxide produces sodium benzoate, a highly water-soluble preservative salt.

Potassium benzoate manufacture
Neutralization with potassium base produces potassium benzoate for preservative and specialty uses.

Calcium benzoate manufacture
Benzoic Acid can be converted into calcium benzoate where that salt is required.

Ammonium benzoate manufacture
Benzoic Acid is a raw material for ammonium benzoate and related specialty salts.

Benzyl benzoate manufacture
Esterification chemistry based on Benzoic Acid can produce benzyl benzoate for fragrance, pharmaceutical and specialty applications.

Benzoate ester manufacture
Benzoic Acid is a starting material for methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and other benzoate esters used as solvents, fragrance ingredients and intermediates.

Dibenzoate plasticizer production
Benzoic Acid is an important raw material for glycol dibenzoate and related non-phthalate benzoate plasticizers.

Plasticizer intermediates
Benzoic Acid-based ester chemistry is widely used to manufacture plasticizers for PVC, adhesives, sealants and other polymer systems.

Phenol manufacture
Benzoic Acid has historical and industrial relevance as an intermediate in routes to phenol, although production technology and regional economics vary.

Caprolactam-related chemistry
Benzoic Acid has historical industrial relevance in certain caprolactam production routes.

Polymer processing
Benzoic Acid and benzoate derivatives can be used as stabilizing, modifying or intermediate materials in polymer manufacture.

Resin chain stopping
The monofunctional carboxyl group makes Benzoic Acid useful for limiting chain growth in condensation resin synthesis.

Molecular-weight control
Controlled addition of Benzoic Acid can regulate molecular weight and viscosity in selected alkyd and polyester processes.

Gloss modification
Benzoic Acid-modified alkyd chemistry can contribute to improved coating gloss when the total resin formulation is optimized.

Hardness development
Benzoic Acid can influence resin architecture and contribute to harder coating films in selected alkyd systems.

Drying-performance adjustment
Resin molecular-weight control and aromatic modification can influence drying behavior in alkyd coating systems.

Personal-care pH control
Benzoic Acid can contribute acidity in compatible personal-care formulations, but preservative efficiency and skin compatibility must be considered.

Detergent preservation
Selected acidic liquid detergent systems can use Benzoic Acid or benzoates as preservatives where the formulation and ecolabel or regulatory requirements 
permit.

Household cleaning formulations
Benzoic Acid appears in household and commercial product categories as a preservative or pH-related ingredient.

Analytical chemistry
High-purity Benzoic Acid is used as a reference substance and analytical reagent.

Calorimetry standard
High-purity Benzoic Acid is widely used as a combustion-calorimetry reference material because of its well-characterized combustion properties.

Laboratory reagent
Benzoic Acid is used in acid-base titration, organic synthesis, recrystallization studies and educational laboratory work.

Organic synthesis
Benzoic Acid can be converted into acid chlorides, esters, amides and substituted benzoyl derivatives.

Fungicidal and bactericidal applications
Benzoic Acid has antimicrobial activity and is recognized in regulatory systems for certain fungicidal or bactericidal functions, subject to product 
authorization.

Plant-protection applications
Benzoic Acid is listed as an approved active substance in current European plant-protection regulation through the applicable approval period, subject to specific product authorization and conditions.

Animal-feed applications
Benzoic Acid is used in animal-feed and feed-preservation contexts in jurisdictions where the specific use and dosage are authorized.

Tobacco processing
Benzoic Acid has historical use in tobacco-seasoning and flavor-related applications.

Fragrance intermediates
Benzoic Acid is a starting point for benzyl benzoate and other aromatic ester chemistry used in fragrance systems.

Perfume intermediates
Benzoate ester synthesis connects Benzoic Acid to numerous perfume and fragrance raw materials.

Dentifrices
Benzoic Acid and benzoates have historical and current relevance in oral-care formulations where preservation is permitted.

General chemical intermediate
Benzoic Acid is a versatile aromatic intermediate for salts, esters, acid chlorides and other benzoyl derivatives.

FOOD PRESERVATIVE USE

Food-grade Benzoic Acid is used primarily as an antimicrobial preservative in acidic food systems.
The preservative is most effective against yeasts and molds and can also inhibit selected bacteria under suitable conditions.
Performance depends strongly on pH because the undissociated acid is the more antimicrobial form.
Benzoic Acid has limited water solubility compared with sodium benzoate, so the salt can be easier to incorporate into aqueous products.
Benzoic Acid can still be preferred when direct acid contribution, lower sodium content or specific formulation behavior is desired.
Finished food products must comply with the applicable category-specific regional regulation.

UNITED STATES FOOD STATUS

Current U.S. regulation under 21 CFR 184.1021 recognizes Benzoic Acid as an antimicrobial agent and as a flavoring agent or adjuvant.
Use is subject to good manufacturing practice.
The regulation states that current usage results in a maximum level of approximately 0.1% in food.
Food applications outside the established conditions should not be assumed to have the same regulatory status.
Food-grade Benzoic Acid should meet the applicable purity specification.

EU FOOD USE

Benzoic Acid is known in European food-additive nomenclature as E210.
Food use is category specific and subject to the current permitted-food lists and maximum levels.
The existence of an E-number does not mean that Benzoic Acid can be added without limit to every food.
The exact food category and current regulatory text should be checked before formulation.
Sodium, potassium and calcium benzoates can have different practical solubility while sharing the benzoate preservation principle.

JECFA ADI

A 2021 international expert evaluation established a group acceptable daily intake of 0-20 mg/kg body weight for Benzoic Acid and specified related benzoate and benzyl substances, expressed as Benzoic Acid equivalents.
An ADI is a population-level toxicological guidance value and is not a formulation use level.
Finished food use must still comply with the applicable food-additive regulation and good manufacturing practice.
Formulators should distinguish toxicological intake guidance from legal maximum concentration.

COSMETIC PRESERVATION

Benzoic Acid is an allowed cosmetic preservative in the European Union under Annex V of the cosmetics regulation.
The current maximum is 2.5% expressed as acid for rinse-off products excluding oral products.
The current maximum is 1.7% expressed as acid for oral products.
The current maximum is 0.5% expressed as acid for leave-on products.
These limits are regulatory maxima rather than recommended formulation targets.
Preservation efficacy should be demonstrated through suitable microbiological testing at the actual formulation pH.

SODIUM BENZOATE RELATIONSHIP

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of Benzoic Acid.
Neutralizing Benzoic Acid with sodium hydroxide converts the poorly water-soluble acid into the much more water-soluble benzoate salt.
In an acidic formulation, sodium benzoate and Benzoic Acid participate in the same acid-base equilibrium.
Lowering pH shifts benzoate toward undissociated Benzoic Acid, increasing antimicrobial efficacy.
The choice between Benzoic Acid and sodium benzoate is therefore often driven by solubility, sodium content, pH strategy and manufacturing process.

POTASSIUM BENZOATE RELATIONSHIP

Potassium benzoate is another water-soluble salt derived from Benzoic Acid.
It can be useful where sodium content is undesirable or where potassium-based formulation strategy is preferred.
Preservative activity still depends on conversion toward undissociated Benzoic Acid at acidic pH.
Legal food and cosmetic status must be checked separately for the intended market and category.

ALKYD RESIN MODIFICATION

Benzoic Acid is a useful monofunctional modifier in alkyd resin synthesis.
Because Benzoic Acid has only one carboxyl group, it can cap growing polyester chains and limit molecular-weight development.
Controlled chain stopping can prevent excessive viscosity or premature gelation during resin manufacture.
Benzoic Acid can also influence hardness, gloss and drying response in the final alkyd coating.
The required level depends on polyol functionality, dibasic-acid content, fatty-acid composition and target oil length.
Resin synthesis should be controlled through acid value, viscosity, color and solids testing.

POLYESTER RESIN MODIFICATION

Benzoic Acid can act as a monofunctional end-capping acid in selected polyester formulations.
End capping limits average chain length and changes molecular-weight distribution.
This can be useful when viscosity control is required without introducing another difunctional acid.
The aromatic ring can also influence hardness and compatibility.
Exact use level should be calculated from functionality balance rather than added only by weight percentage.

BENZOATE PLASTICIZER INTERMEDIATE

Benzoic Acid is an important raw material for benzoate ester plasticizers.
Reaction with glycols can produce mono- and dibenzoate esters with strong solvating power for many polymer systems.
Dibenzoate plasticizers are widely used in adhesives, sealants, coatings, PVC and other polymer applications.
The performance of the final plasticizer depends on the glycol structure and ester composition rather than on Benzoic Acid alone.
High-purity Benzoic Acid can help control color and acidity in downstream esterification.

BENZOYL CHLORIDE INTERMEDIATE

Benzoic Acid can be converted into benzoyl chloride using suitable chlorinating chemistry.
Benzoyl chloride is a versatile benzoylating intermediate used to make benzoyl peroxide, pharmaceuticals, dyes, fragrances and other benzoyl derivatives.
The acid-to-acid-chloride conversion requires controlled industrial reaction and corrosion-resistant equipment.
This intermediate use is one reason Benzoic Acid remains important beyond preservation applications.

PRODUCTION

Modern industrial Benzoic Acid is produced primarily by catalytic oxidation of toluene with air.
The reaction converts the methyl group of toluene into a carboxylic acid group.
Industrial oxidation uses controlled temperature, pressure and catalyst systems.
Crude Benzoic Acid is then purified to achieve the required color, purity and impurity profile.
Alternative historical manufacturing routes include benzotrichloride hydrolysis and older phthalic-anhydride-based processes.
Current commercial production overwhelmingly favors efficient oxidation technology where economically appropriate.

NATURAL OCCURRENCE

Benzoic Acid occurs naturally in both free and combined forms.
Natural occurrence has been reported in cranberries, prunes, plums, cinnamon, cloves and various berries.
Benzoic Acid and benzoate derivatives also occur in natural balsams and plant materials.
Natural occurrence does not replace regulatory control when purified Benzoic Acid is intentionally added to food or cosmetic products.
Added Benzoic Acid must still meet the applicable purity and use requirements.

PARTICLE FORM AND HANDLING

Commercial Benzoic Acid can be supplied as flakes, prills, granules or powder depending on the production process and application.
Particle form influences dust generation, conveying, dissolution rate and feeding accuracy.
Fine powder dissolves more quickly but can create more airborne dust.
Prills or granules can reduce dust and improve bulk handling.
The selected grade should match the customer's dissolution equipment and metering process.

DISSOLUTION

Benzoic Acid dissolves slowly in cold water because room-temperature solubility is limited.
Higher water temperature increases solubility substantially.
Agitation and smaller particle size increase dissolution rate.
Neutralization with alkali can convert Benzoic Acid into water-soluble benzoate salt during formulation.
Co-solvents such as ethanol can also improve incorporation in compatible products.
Dissolution strategy should avoid localized over-concentration or precipitation after cooling.

PRECIPITATION RISK

A formulation can precipitate Benzoic Acid if the total dissolved level exceeds solubility after cooling or pH adjustment.
Acidifying a concentrated benzoate solution can convert soluble benzoate into less soluble free Benzoic Acid.
Temperature reduction can also decrease solubility.
Crystal formation can create haze, sediment or blocked filters.
Formulation trials should therefore evaluate storage at the lowest expected temperature.

PH CONTROL

Benzoic Acid can contribute to pH reduction in aqueous and semi-aqueous formulations.
Because it is a weak acid, buffering and neutralization behavior differ from strong mineral acids.
The final pH depends on Benzoic Acid concentration, other acids, bases and buffering ingredients.
Preservative systems should be designed around the measured final pH rather than only the amount of Benzoic Acid added.
Direct pH measurement after full equilibration is essential.

QUALITY CONTROL

Important Benzoic Acid quality-control parameters include identity, assay, appearance, melting range, color, water content, ash, heavy metals or elemental impurities, oxidizable substances and relevant organic impurities.
Food, pharmaceutical and technical grades can have different impurity specifications.
A sharp melting range near 122°C provides a useful identity and purity check.
Color is important for coatings, resins, food and personal-care applications.
Water content influences storage, handling and downstream reaction calculations.
The current Ataman Chemicals specification and batch COA should control acceptance.

ASSAY

Assay measures the concentration of Benzoic Acid in the commercial grade.
High assay is especially important when Benzoic Acid is used for food, pharmaceutical, analytical or controlled esterification applications.
Titration, chromatographic methods or other validated techniques can be used depending on the grade specification.
Assay should be considered together with specific impurity limits rather than used as the only quality criterion.

MELTING RANGE AS QUALITY INDICATOR

Pure Benzoic Acid has a melting point around 122.4°C.
A narrow melting range close to the expected value supports identity and purity.
Organic impurities can depress or broaden the melting range.
Melting behavior is therefore a useful classical quality-control parameter alongside modern chromatographic methods.

WATER CONTENT

Water content should be controlled according to grade.
Excess moisture can affect storage flow, caking, esterification calculations and some sensitive industrial processes.
Food and pharmaceutical grades may have specific moisture or loss-on-drying requirements.
Packaging should protect the product from contamination and excessive humidity.

COLOR

High-quality Benzoic Acid is normally white.
Yellowing can indicate impurities, thermal history or contamination.
Low color is particularly important in clear coatings, pale alkyd resins, food applications and benzoate ester production.
The applicable color method and maximum value should follow the product specification.

EU HAZARD CLASSIFICATION

Current European harmonized classification identifies Benzoic Acid as Skin Irritation Category 2, Serious Eye Damage Category 1 and Specific Target Organ Toxicity Repeated Exposure Category 1.
The repeated-exposure classification specifies lung effects by inhalation.
The corresponding current hazard statements include H315, H318 and H372 for the specified inhalation route and target organ.
These hazards make dust control and eye protection especially important in bulk powder handling.
The current regional SDS should be used for workplace labeling and protective measures.

DUST EXPOSURE

Fine Benzoic Acid dust can irritate skin, eyes and the respiratory system.
Repeated inhalation exposure is especially important because current EU harmonized classification includes serious repeated-exposure concern for the lungs.
Enclosed transfer, local exhaust ventilation and dust-minimizing particle form can reduce exposure.
Respiratory protection should be selected through workplace risk assessment where engineering controls do not keep exposure adequately controlled.
Compressed-air cleaning should be avoided if it disperses dust into the workplace.

EYE HAZARD

Benzoic Acid is currently harmonized in the European Union as causing serious eye damage.
Safety goggles or more protective eye equipment should be selected according to the exposure scenario.
Dust and splashes from dissolved or molten material should be prevented from contacting the eyes.
Emergency eyewash access is appropriate where significant handling takes place.
Any eye exposure should be treated promptly according to the current SDS.

SKIN HAZARD

Benzoic Acid is classified as a skin irritant under current EU harmonized classification.
Repeated or prolonged contact with powder or concentrated solutions should be avoided.
Suitable gloves and protective clothing should be used according to workplace risk assessment.
Contaminated clothing should be removed and washed before reuse where appropriate.

FIRST AID

After eye contact, rinse immediately and thoroughly with clean water and obtain medical attention according to the current SDS.
After skin contact, remove contaminated material and wash the exposed area thoroughly.
After inhalation of dust or vapor, move the affected person to fresh air and obtain medical advice if symptoms occur.
After ingestion, rinse the mouth and follow the current product-specific SDS and professional medical guidance.
First-aid procedures should be based on the exact grade, concentration and exposure route.

SPILL MANAGEMENT

Avoid creating airborne dust when collecting spilled solid Benzoic Acid.
Use appropriate PPE and local ventilation.
Prevent large quantities from entering drains, soil and surface water.
Dry material can be swept or vacuumed using equipment suitable for chemical dust if this can be done without dispersing the powder.
Contaminated material should be placed in correctly labeled containers.
Spill response should follow the current SDS and local waste requirements.

FIRE RESPONSE

Benzoic Acid is a combustible organic solid with a relatively high flash point.
Dust suspended in air can present a different fire behavior from compact solid material.
Thermal decomposition and combustion can generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and irritating vapors.
Firefighters may require self-contained breathing apparatus and suitable protective clothing.
Extinguishing media should be selected according to the surrounding fire and the current SDS.

STORAGE

Benzoic Acid should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers or bags should remain tightly closed and protected from moisture and contamination.
Storage should avoid strong oxidizing agents and incompatible reactive chemicals.
High temperature can increase sublimation or vapor generation.
Food and pharmaceutical grades should be segregated from industrial chemicals to protect purity and prevent cross-contamination.
Current package labeling, shelf life and SDS instructions should control final storage practice.

INCOMPATIBILITIES

Benzoic Acid should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents.
Strong bases neutralize Benzoic Acid exothermically to form benzoate salts.
Reactive metals and highly reactive reducing agents should be evaluated for compatibility before contact.
Industrial synthesis involving chlorinating agents or high temperatures requires dedicated process-safety controls.
The current SDS should govern formal incompatibility and segregation requirements.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Benzoic Acid occurs naturally and is biodegradable under many environmental conditions, but uncontrolled industrial release should still be prevented.
Current safety references describe the substance as harmful to aquatic organisms.
Large concentrated releases can also alter local pH.
Wastewater treatment suitability depends on concentration, loading and local plant capability.
Waste and contaminated packaging should be managed under applicable regional requirements.
Natural occurrence should not be used as a reason to bypass environmental controls.

REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Benzoic Acid has multiple regulated uses across food, cosmetics, feed, plant protection, pharmaceuticals and food-contact materials.
Each use has its own purity, concentration and product-authorization requirements.
Food-additive status does not automatically make a technical-grade product suitable for food use.
Cosmetic preservative limits are different from food-use levels.
Plant-protection approval of the active substance does not automatically authorize every formulated pesticide product.
Ataman Chemicals can provide product-specific documentation, but the customer should confirm current jurisdiction-specific use requirements for the finished product.

COMMON FORMULATION PROBLEMS

Benzoic Acid does not dissolve completely in water
Room-temperature water solubility is limited. Increase temperature, improve agitation, reduce particle size, use an appropriate co-solvent or consider a soluble benzoate salt where suitable.

Crystals form during storage
The solution may be supersaturated after cooling or acidification. Reduce total Benzoic Acid level or redesign the solvent and pH balance.

Preservative system fails microbial challenge testing
The formulation pH may be too high, reducing the undissociated Benzoic Acid fraction. Check pH, preservative concentration, contamination level and packaging.

Sodium benzoate works better than Benzoic Acid in water
Sodium benzoate is much more water soluble. It converts partly to Benzoic Acid after acidification, so it can be easier to process in aqueous systems.

Preservative works poorly near neutral pH
Benzoic Acid is a weak acid with pKa around 4.2. At higher pH most of the material is ionized and antimicrobial efficiency falls.

Product pH becomes too low
Benzoic Acid contributes acidity. Reduce the acid level or adjust the buffer system while preserving sufficient antimicrobial activity.

Food product develops off taste
Excess Benzoic Acid or unfavorable pH can affect flavor. Review use level, food category and preservation strategy.

Cosmetic formula exceeds regulatory limit
EU maximum levels differ for rinse-off, oral and leave-on products. Reformulate to the applicable current legal limit.

Leave-on cosmetic contains too much Benzoic Acid
The current EU maximum is 0.5% expressed as acid for leave-on products.

Rinse-off cosmetic contains too much Benzoic Acid
The current EU maximum is 2.5% expressed as acid for rinse-off products excluding oral products.

Oral product contains too much Benzoic Acid
The current EU maximum is 1.7% expressed as acid for oral products.

Alkyd resin viscosity rises too quickly
The functionality balance, reaction temperature or Benzoic Acid level may be unsuitable. Recalculate chain-stopper level and monitor acid value and 
viscosity during cook.

Alkyd resin molecular weight is too low
Excess Benzoic Acid can terminate too many growing chains. Reduce the monofunctional acid level.

Alkyd resin gels during synthesis
Insufficient chain stopping, excessive multifunctionality or poor reaction control can lead to gelation. Recalculate stoichiometry and process conditions.

Alkyd coating is too soft
Resin architecture, oil length and monobasic-acid level may be inappropriate. Rebalance the synthesis rather than adjusting Benzoic Acid alone.

Alkyd coating loses gloss
Molecular-weight distribution, pigment loading, cure package or resin compatibility may be responsible. Review the complete formulation.

Benzoate ester color is too high
Impurity color in Benzoic Acid or excessive thermal exposure can carry into the ester product. Use a lower-color grade and optimize esterification.

Esterification acid value remains high
Reaction conversion may be incomplete or water removal may be inadequate. Review stoichiometry, catalyst, temperature and distillation conditions.

Powder creates excessive workplace dust
Select a prill or granulated grade where possible and improve enclosed transfer and local exhaust.

Dust irritates workers' eyes
Current hazard classification includes serious eye damage. Improve containment, PPE and emergency eyewash access.

Repeated dust exposure is occurring
Current EU classification includes STOT RE 1 for lungs by inhalation. Reduce airborne exposure through engineering controls and suitable respiratory 
protection where required.

Benzoic Acid cakes during storage
Moisture, pressure and temperature cycling can promote caking. Improve packaging, humidity control and storage practice.

Material shows yellow color
Thermal history, oxidation or contamination may be present. Hold the batch and compare against the product specification.

Melting range is broad
Impurities or mixed material can broaden the melting range. Confirm identity and purity analytically.

Assay is below specification
Check moisture, organic impurities, contamination and analytical method before use.

Water content is too high
Review packaging integrity and storage humidity. High moisture can affect esterification and handling.

Food-grade application proposed with technical grade
Technical grade should not be assumed to meet food-purity requirements. Use the grade supported by the applicable food specification and documentation.

Pharmaceutical application proposed without pharmacopeial documentation
Use an appropriate pharmaceutical grade and confirm the required compendial specification.

Plant-protection use proposed from raw-material approval alone
Active-substance approval does not automatically authorize a formulated product. Confirm current product registration and use conditions.

Preservative dosage selected only from supplier literature
Finished-product pH, microbial load, packaging and regulation determine effective and legal use. Perform challenge testing and regulatory review.

Crystals form after pH adjustment
Acidification can convert soluble benzoate into less soluble free Benzoic Acid. Recalculate total benzoate-equivalent concentration and cold-storage 
solubility.

Solution becomes cloudy after cooling
Benzoic Acid solubility decreases at lower temperature. Evaluate the lowest expected storage temperature and reduce concentration if needed.

Neutralization generates excessive heat
Reaction with strong base is exothermic. Add base under controlled mixing and temperature conditions.

Benzoic Acid sublimates in hot equipment
Reduce unnecessary hot surfaces, use closed transfer and provide local exhaust where heated processing is required.

Preservative system is effective initially but fails after dilution
Dilution can raise pH and reduce Benzoic Acid concentration below the effective level. Test the final use dilution rather than only the concentrate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Benzoic Acid?
Benzoic Acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid and is widely used as a preservative, pH-control agent and chemical intermediate.

What is the CAS Number?
65-85-0.

What is the EC Number?
200-618-2.

What is the molecular formula?
C7H6O2, also written C6H5COOH.

What is the molecular weight?
Approximately 122.12 g/mol.

What is the melting point?
Approximately 122.4°C.

What is the boiling point?
Approximately 249.2°C.

What is the flash point?
Approximately 121°C closed cup in commonly cited reference data.

What is the density?
Common solid values are approximately 1.27-1.32 g/cm³ depending on temperature and reference basis.

Is Benzoic Acid soluble in water?
Only moderately. Multiple references report roughly 3 g/L at about 20-25°C, with solubility increasing strongly with temperature.

What is the pKa of Benzoic Acid?
Approximately 4.2 at 25°C.

Why is pH important for preservation?
The undissociated form of Benzoic Acid is the more antimicrobial form, so preservative performance is strongest in acidic formulations.

What is E210?
E210 is the European food-additive code commonly used for Benzoic Acid.

Is Benzoic Acid allowed in food in the United States?
Current 21 CFR 184.1021 recognizes it for antimicrobial and flavoring/adjuvant use under good manufacturing practice, with current usage resulting in a maximum level of approximately 0.1% in food.

What is the international ADI?
A 2021 expert evaluation established a group ADI of 0-20 mg/kg body weight for Benzoic Acid and specified related substances, expressed as Benzoic Acid equivalents.

Can Benzoic Acid be used in cosmetics?
Yes, where allowed by regional regulation. Current EU limits are 2.5% in rinse-off products excluding oral products, 1.7% in oral products and 0.5% in leave-on products, expressed as acid.

What is the difference between Benzoic Acid and sodium benzoate?
Benzoic Acid is the free acid and is only moderately soluble in water. Sodium benzoate is the much more water-soluble sodium salt.

Which form is more antimicrobial?
The undissociated Benzoic Acid molecule is the key antimicrobial form, so acidic pH improves performance even when sodium benzoate is the ingredient added.

Can Benzoic Acid be used in alkyd resins?
Yes. It can act as a monofunctional chain stopper or modifier to control resin molecular weight, viscosity and coating properties.

Can Benzoic Acid be used to make plasticizers?
Yes. Benzoic Acid is an important raw material for benzoate and dibenzoate ester plasticizers.

Can Benzoic Acid be used to make benzoyl chloride?
Yes. Benzoic Acid is an industrial raw material route to benzoyl chloride and downstream benzoyl derivatives.

Is Benzoic Acid used in pharmaceuticals?
Yes. It is used as a preservative, formulation ingredient and chemical intermediate, but pharmaceutical applications require the appropriate grade and documentation.

Is Benzoic Acid hazardous to eyes?
Yes. Current EU harmonized classification includes Serious Eye Damage Category 1.

Does Benzoic Acid irritate skin?
Yes. Current EU harmonized classification includes Skin Irritation Category 2.

Is repeated inhalation a concern?
Yes. Current EU harmonized classification includes STOT RE 1 for lung effects through repeated inhalation exposure.

How should Benzoic Acid dust be controlled?
Use enclosed transfer, local exhaust ventilation, good housekeeping and appropriate PPE based on workplace risk assessment.

Is Benzoic Acid an SVHC?
The current ECHA regulatory-obligations page does not identify Benzoic Acid as a REACH Candidate List SVHC.

Can Benzoic Acid be used in plant-protection products?
Benzoic Acid is listed as an approved active substance in current European plant-protection regulation, but formulated products still require applicable authorization.

How should Benzoic Acid be stored?
Store it cool, dry, tightly closed, protected from contamination and segregated from incompatible strong oxidizing agents.

What documents should be checked before use?
Use the current Ataman Chemicals TDS, SDS and COA together with current jurisdiction-specific rules for the intended food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or industrial application.

FINAL TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Benzoic Acid is a defined aromatic carboxylic acid with CAS Number 65-85-0, EC Number 200-618-2, molecular formula C7H6O2 and molecular weight approximately 122.12 g/mol.
Benzoic Acid is a white crystalline solid with melting point around 122.4°C, boiling point around 249.2°C and closed-cup flash point around 121°C.
Water solubility is limited at room temperature, commonly around approximately 3 g/L at 20-25°C, while solubility is substantially higher in many organic solvents and increases with water temperature.

The pKa is approximately 4.2, making preservative performance strongly dependent on formulation pH.
The undissociated acid is the most antimicrobial form, so Benzoic Acid is most effective in acidic foods, beverages, cosmetics and related preserved systems.
Current U.S. food regulation recognizes Benzoic Acid as an antimicrobial and flavoring/adjuvant ingredient under good manufacturing practice, with current usage resulting in a maximum level around 0.1% in food.
Current EU cosmetic rules permit Benzoic Acid and sodium benzoate up to 2.5% as acid in rinse-off products excluding oral products, 1.7% in oral products and 0.5% in leave-on products.

Food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications require the appropriate purity grade and current jurisdiction-specific regulatory review.
Benzoic Acid is also a major industrial chemical intermediate for sodium and potassium benzoates, benzoyl chloride, benzyl benzoate, benzoate esters and dibenzoate plasticizers.
In alkyd and polyester chemistry, Benzoic Acid can function as a monofunctional chain stopper that controls molecular weight, viscosity and resin architecture.
Industrial Benzoic Acid is produced primarily through catalytic air oxidation of toluene.
Current EU harmonized classification includes Skin Irritation Category 2, Serious Eye Damage Category 1 and STOT RE 1 for lung effects through repeated inhalation exposure.
Bulk handling should therefore emphasize dust containment, local exhaust ventilation, eye protection and good industrial hygiene.
Benzoic Acid is a defined substance rather than a proprietary mixture, so its molecular formula and identifiers can be stated directly.

For Benzoic Acid technical specifications, food or pharmaceutical grade documentation, industrial application support, TDS, SDS and COA, contact Ataman Chemicals with the intended end use, grade requirement and regulatory market.

Ataman Chemicals
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com