Quick Search
INTRODUCTION
Sodium benzoate is a compound with the chemical formula C7H5NaO2 and is the sodium salt of benzoic acid.
Sodyum benzoat is identified by the code E211 when used as a food additive and serves as a preservative in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and various industrial applications.
Sodyum benzoat generally appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder or granules and is highly soluble in water.
Sodium benzoate is an antimicrobial preservative that is particularly effective under acidic conditions.
In suitable formulations, it helps delay microbial spoilage by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and certain bacteria.
Its high water solubility, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with various formulations make it useful in food processing, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, and industrial systems.
KEY PROPERTIES AND IDENTIFIERS
E Number: E211
CAS Number: 532-32-1
Chemical Name: Sodium benzoate
Common Synonyms: Sodium salt of benzoic acid, sodium benzenecarboxylate, Antimol
EC / EINECS Number: 208-534-8
PubChem CID: 517055
RTECS Number: DH6650000
UNII Code: OJ2E535804
Molecular Formula: C7H5NaO2
Molecular Weight: 144.11 g/mol
Physical Appearance: White crystalline powder, granules, or flakes
Odor: Generally odorless
Taste: May be slightly sweet, astringent, or bitter at high concentrations.
Density: Approximately 1.44 g/cm³
Melting Point: Decomposition may occur above 300 °C; this should not be treated as a well-defined normal melting point.
Boiling Point: Not applicable as the compound decomposes upon heating.
Flash Point: Generally not applicable to the solid form.
Autoignition Temperature: Approximately 500 °C is reported in some sources; the product and test conditions should be verified.
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature.
Water Solubility: Highly soluble in water; some sources report approximately 630 g/L at 20 °C.
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Soluble in ethanol and liquid ammonia; it has limited solubility in diethyl ether.
Optimal Antimicrobial pH: Generally more effective under acidic conditions; its activity decreases as pH increases.
Mechanism of Action: Under acidic conditions, a proportion of sodium benzoate can convert into the uncharged form of benzoic acid. This form can enter microbial cells and affect intracellular pH balance and metabolic processes.
SYNONYMS AND CHEMICAL NAMES
Sodium benzoate
Sodium salt of benzoic acid
Sodium benzenecarboxylate
Antimicrobial preservative E211
Food additive E211
INS 211
CAS 532-32-1
EC 208-534-8
C7H5NaO2
PRODUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL SYNTHESIS
Synthesis Process: Sodium benzoate can be produced by neutralizing benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
Benzoic Acid Production: Benzoic acid can be manufactured industrially through processes such as the controlled oxidation of toluene.
Purification and Quality Control: Depending on the production process, the solution may be filtered, decolorized, crystallized, and dried to obtain a powder or granular product.
Purity Standards: Purity and impurity limits for food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade products are established by applicable standards and manufacturer specifications.
Potential Impurities: Moisture, residual starting materials, and trace inorganic impurities are controlled according to the production method and product quality requirements.
Quality Assurance: Heavy metals and other impurities should be analyzed in accordance with the applicable product standard.
DETAILED APPLICATIONS AND USES
1) FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY
Carbonated Beverages and Fruit Juices: It may be used in acidic beverages to inhibit yeast and mold growth and delay microbial spoilage.
Sauces and Condiments: It may serve as a preservative in pickles, salad dressings, ketchup, mustard, and similar acidic products.
Jams and Fruit Preparations: It may help extend shelf life in suitable products.
Processed Foods: Sodium benzoate can help maintain microbial stability in certain sauces, olive products, and other processed foods.
Preservative Effect: Its effectiveness depends on product pH, composition, storage conditions, and concentration.
Note: Permitted food categories and use levels vary by country and applicable regulations.
2) PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL FORMULATIONS
Liquid Oral Formulations: Sodium benzoate may be used as a preservative or excipient in certain cough syrups, oral suspensions, and liquid medicines.
Pharmaceutical Excipient: In suitable formulations, it may be used to support solubility, stability, or microbial preservation.
Treatment of Hyperammonemia: Sodium benzoate may be used under medical supervision to manage hyperammonemia associated with certain urea cycle disorders and other metabolic conditions.
Mechanism of Action: In therapeutic applications, benzoate combines with glycine to form hippuric acid. This process can help promote nitrogen excretion in the urine.
Note: Therapeutic use differs from use as a food preservative and requires medical supervision.
3) COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
Oral Care Products: Sodium benzoate may be used as a preservative in suitable toothpaste and mouthwash formulations.
Hair Care Products: It can help control microbial spoilage in shampoos and conditioners.
Skin Care Products: Sodium benzoate may be included in the preservative system of creams, lotions, facial cleansers, and wet wipes.
Combined Preservative Systems: It may be used alongside other preservatives, such as potassium sorbate; effectiveness depends on the complete formulation.
Note: Permitted concentrations and conditions of use in cosmetic products must be verified against applicable regulations.
4) INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS
Corrosion Control: Sodium benzoate may be used to support corrosion control in certain water-based industrial systems.
Cooling and Water Systems: Its suitability depends on the chemical composition of the system and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Industrial Formulations: Sodium benzoate may be considered as a preservative or auxiliary chemical in certain technical products.
5) PYROTECHNIC APPLICATIONS
Specialized Pyrotechnic Formulations: Sodium benzoate has been used as a fuel component in certain pyrotechnic compositions.
Safety: Pyrotechnic mixtures can present fire and explosion hazards. Such applications should only be handled by qualified professionals in accordance with applicable regulations.
SAFETY, TOXICOLOGY, AND REGULATORY STATUS
Regulatory Status: In the European Union, sodium benzoate may be used as E211 in specified food categories and under permitted conditions.
US Regulations: Regulatory provisions exist for certain food-related uses. Current FDA requirements should be checked according to the intended application.
JECFA Assessment: JECFA sources include acceptable daily intake assessments for benzoic acid and benzoates. The current ADI value and its scope should be verified directly against the latest JECFA records.
Metabolism: Sodium benzoate provides benzoate in the body; benzoate can combine with glycine in the liver to form hippuric acid, which is mainly excreted in urine.
Benzene Formation: In certain acidic beverages containing benzoates, the presence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can contribute to benzene formation under unfavorable conditions. Heat, light, metal ions, and formulation conditions can affect this process.
Toxicological Profile: Risk depends on the amount consumed, duration of exposure, individual characteristics, and intended use.
Sensitive Groups: Exposure assessment is particularly important for infants and individuals with certain health conditions.
Handling and Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers made of suitable materials.
Incompatible Materials: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and materials identified as incompatible in the safety data sheet.
Important Note: Technical properties, permitted applications, and safety conditions may vary by product grade and country. Before use, consult the current technical data sheet (TDS), safety data sheet (SDS), and applicable regulations.
CONTACT ATAMAN KIMYA
For further information, technical specifications, product quality details, and supply inquiries regarding Sodium benzoate, please contact Ataman Kimya.
