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Send EmailSodium Benzoate, Antimol, Soda Benzoate, Sobanate, Benzoate, E211, 532-32-1
Chemical Name: Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid Sodium Salt
Synonyms: Antimol, Benzoan Sondy, Soda Benzoat, Benzoat Sodyum, Sobanate, Benzoate
CAS Number: 532-32-1
EC Number (EINECS): 208-534-8
Molecular Formula: C₇H₅NaO₂
Molecular Weight: 144.11 g/mol
E Number: E211 (food additive)
Chemical Class: Aromatic carboxylic acid salt (preservative)
HS Code: 2916.31
UN Number: Not regulated (non-hazardous for transport)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder, granules, or flakes |
| Physical state (20°C) | Solid (crystalline) |
| Odor | Odorless or faint benzaldehyde-like odor |
| Taste | Sweet, astringent (characteristic benzoate taste) |
| Density (20°C) | 1.50 g/cm³ |
| Bulk density (typical) | 0.6–0.9 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | >300°C (decomposes before melting) |
| Decomposition temperature | >300°C → decarboxylation, benzene formation |
| Boiling point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Refractive index (nD20) | 1.515 |
| Specific gravity | 1.50 |
| Temperature (°C) | Solubility (g/100 mL water) |
|---|---|
| 0°C | 50.0 |
| 10°C | 55.0 |
| 20°C | 63.0 |
| 25°C | 66.0 |
| 30°C | 70.0 |
| 40°C | 75.0 |
| 50°C | 80.0 |
| 60°C | 85.0 |
| 80°C | 95.0 |
| 100°C | 100.0 |
Note: Sodium benzoate is very soluble in water (63 g/100 mL at 20°C) – unlike benzoic acid which has low water solubility.
| Solvent | Solubility |
|---|---|
| Water | Very soluble (63 g/100 mL at 20°C) |
| Ethanol | Slightly soluble (2–3 g/100 mL) |
| Methanol | Slightly soluble |
| Acetone | Slightly soluble |
| Glycerol | Soluble |
| Propylene glycol | Soluble |
| Oils | Insoluble |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| pH (1% solution, 20°C) | 7.0–8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline) |
| pH (saturated solution, 20°C) | 8.0–9.0 |
| Heat of solution | Endothermic (cools water slightly) |
| Dissociation | NaC₆H₅COO → Na⁺ + C₆H₅COO⁻ (benzoate ion) |
Structure: C₆H₅–COO⁻ Na⁺
Sodium salt of benzoic acid
Dissociates in water to form benzoate anion (C₆H₅COO⁻) and sodium cation (Na⁺)
Benzoate anion is the active antimicrobial species after protonation to benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH)
Equilibrium: C₆H₅COO⁻ + H⁺ ⇌ C₆H₅COOH
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| pKa of benzoic acid (25°C) | 4.20 |
| Active species | Benzoic acid (undissociated form) is antimicrobial |
| pH dependence | Activity increases as pH decreases (more undissociated acid) |
Proportion of active benzoic acid vs. pH:
| pH | % Undissociated Benzoic Acid | Antimicrobial Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | ~99% | Very high |
| 3.0 | ~94% | High |
| 3.5 | ~85% | High |
| 4.0 | ~60% | Moderate |
| 4.5 | ~35% | Low |
| 5.0 | ~15% | Very low |
| 6.0 | ~1.5% | Negligible |
| 7.0 | ~0.1% | None |
| Temperature | Reaction | Products |
|---|---|---|
| >300°C | C₆H₅COONa → C₆H₆ + Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ | Benzene, sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide |
| Combustion | 2C₆H₅COONa + 15O₂ → 14CO₂ + 5H₂O + Na₂CO₃ | Complete combustion products |
| Reaction | Description |
|---|---|
| With strong acids | C₆H₅COONa + HCl → C₆H₅COOH↓ + NaCl (precipitates benzoic acid) |
| With strong bases | Stable (benzoate anion is basic) |
| With oxidizing agents | May oxidize to phenol derivatives |
| With metal salts | May form metal benzoates (some soluble, some insoluble) |
| Parameter | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Stability in dry air | Stable indefinitely |
| Stability in moist air | Slightly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture slowly) |
| Light sensitivity | Stable (no photodegradation) |
| Thermal stability | Stable up to 300°C |
| Hydrolytic stability | Stable (resistant to hydrolysis) |
| Substance | Hazard |
|---|---|
| Strong acids (H₂SO₄, HCl, HNO₃) | Precipitation of benzoic acid |
| Strong oxidizing agents | Oxidation (may form phenol derivatives) |
| Ferric salts (Fe³⁺) | May form colored complexes |
| Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) | Under heat, may form benzene (trace amounts – health concern) |
| Caffeine (in beverages) | Combined with ascorbic acid → trace benzene formation |
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sodium benzoate dissociates in water → benzoate ion (C₆H₅COO⁻) |
| 2 | Benzoate ion diffuses into microbial cell (yeast, bacteria, mold) |
| 3 | Inside the cell (pH ~5–6), benzoate protonates to form benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH) |
| 4 | Benzoic acid disrupts cell membrane function |
| 5 | Inhibits enzymes involved in metabolism (especially Krebs cycle) |
| 6 | Prevents microbial growth and reproduction |
| Microorganism | Sensitivity | Typical Inhibitory Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Yeasts (Candida, Saccharomyces) | High | 0.05–0.1% |
| Molds (Aspergillus, Penicillium) | High | 0.05–0.1% |
| Bacteria (Gram-positive) (Bacillus, Staphylococcus) | Moderate | 0.1–0.2% |
| Bacteria (Gram-negative) (E. coli, Pseudomonas) | Low | 0.2–0.5% |
| Lactic acid bacteria | Low | May be resistant |
| Acetic acid bacteria | Moderate | 0.1–0.2% |
Optimal pH: 2.5–4.0 (most effective)
Effective range: pH 2.5–5.0
Ineffective above pH 5.5: <15% undissociated benzoic acid
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (C₇H₅NaO₂, dried basis) | 99.0–100.5% | Titration |
| Loss on drying (105°C, 2 hours) | ≤ 1.5% | Gravimetric |
| Water (K. Fischer) | ≤ 1.5% | Karl Fischer |
| pH (1% solution) | 7.0–8.5 | pH meter |
| Chlorides (Cl) | ≤ 0.02% | Turbidimetric |
| Sulfates (SO₄) | ≤ 0.03% | Turbidimetric |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | Colorimetric |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 mg/kg | Atomic absorption |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 3 ppm | Atomic absorption |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 1 ppm | Atomic absorption |
| Readily carbonizable substances | Passes test | Color comparison |
| Alkalinity | Passes test | Titration |
| Purity | White crystalline powder | Visual |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Assay (C₇H₅NaO₂) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 2.0% |
| Chlorides (Cl) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Sulfates (SO₄) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Heavy metals | ≤ 50 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 50 ppm |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
Reaction: C₆H₅COOH (benzoic acid) + NaOH (sodium hydroxide) → C₆H₅COONa + H₂O
Process:
Benzoic acid is dissolved in water
Neutralized with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate
Solution filtered and crystallized
Crystals dried and milled
Purity: 99.0–100.5% (food grade)
Process:
Toluene is oxidized with air (cobalt or manganese catalyst)
Benzoic acid is produced
Neutralized with NaOH → sodium benzoate
Process:
Sodium benzoate solution concentrated
Cooled to crystallize
Centrifuged and dried
| Application | Function | Typical Concentration (w/w) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbonated soft drinks (cola, fruit sodas) | Preservative (prevents yeast/mold) | 0.02–0.1% |
| Fruit juices and concentrates | Preservative | 0.05–0.1% |
| Pickles and relishes | Preservative (mold inhibition) | 0.05–0.1% |
| Jams, jellies, marmalades | Preservative (mold inhibition) | 0.05–0.1% |
| Margarine and spreads | Preservative | 0.05–0.1% |
| Salad dressings and sauces | Preservative (with vinegar – pH 3–4) | 0.05–0.1% |
| Maple syrup | Preservative (mold prevention) | 0.05–0.1% |
| Canned vegetables | Preservative (with acidification) | 0.05–0.1% |
| Chewing gum | Preservative | 0.05–0.1% |
| Alcoholic beverages (wine coolers) | Preservative | 0.05–0.1% |
Maximum permitted levels (EU, US, Codex):
Soft drinks: 150–200 mg/kg (0.015–0.02%)
Jams, jellies: 500–1,000 mg/kg (0.05–0.1%)
Pickles: 500–1,000 mg/kg (0.05–0.1%)
Salad dressings: 500–1,000 mg/kg (0.05–0.1%)
Note: Sodium benzoate is often used in combination with potassium sorbate for synergistic preservative effect.
| Application | Function | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Oral liquid medications (syrups, suspensions) | Preservative (prevents microbial growth) | 0.1–0.2% |
| Cough syrups | Preservative | 0.1–0.2% |
| Liquid analgesics (acetaminophen) | Preservative | 0.1–0.2% |
| Topical creams and ointments | Preservative | 0.1–0.5% |
| Mouthwash and oral rinses | Preservative, flavor enhancer | 0.05–0.1% |
| Toothpaste | Preservative, sweetener | 0.1–0.5% |
| Antifungal preparations | Active ingredient (limited) | Variable |
| Ammonia metabolism disorder treatment (UCD) | Urea cycle disorder treatment (sodium benzoate is used IV/orally to reduce ammonia) | Variable |
| Application | Function | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoos and conditioners | Preservative, fragrance stabilizer | 0.1–0.5% |
| Liquid hand soaps | Preservative | 0.1–0.5% |
| Body washes | Preservative | 0.1–0.5% |
| Facial cleansers | Preservative | 0.1–0.5% |
| Deodorants and antiperspirants | Preservative, corrosion inhibitor | 0.1–0.5% |
| Makeup (foundations, powders) | Preservative | 0.1–0.5% |
| Baby wipes | Preservative | 0.1–0.5% |
| Denture cleaners | Active ingredient (antimicrobial) | 1–5% |
INCI Name: Sodium Benzoate
| Application | Function | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Antifreeze and engine coolants | Corrosion inhibitor | 0.1–1% |
| Metalworking fluids | Corrosion inhibitor, preservative | 0.1–1% |
| Cooling water treatment | Corrosion inhibitor | 0.05–0.5% |
| Paints and coatings | Preservative (in-can) | 0.05–0.2% |
| Latex emulsions | Preservative | 0.1–0.5% |
| Adhesives (starch-based, PVA) | Preservative, corrosion inhibitor | 0.1–0.5% |
| Printing inks | Preservative, corrosion inhibitor | 0.1–0.5% |
| Silicone rubber (mastic) | Component in cleaning formulations | Variable |
| Application | Mechanism | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum corrosion inhibition | Forms protective benzoate film on aluminum surface | Moderate |
| Steel corrosion inhibition | Adsorbs on metal surface | Moderate |
| Engine coolants | Protects aluminum radiators from corrosion | Effective (in combination) |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Cigarette tobacco treatment | Preservative (prevents mold growth during processing) |
| Moisture retention aid | Humectant (in combination with other agents) |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Dye intermediate | Precursor for certain dye syntheses |
| Pigment dispersant | Aids pigment dispersion in formulations |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene additive | Improves clarity and strength (limited, newer application) |
| Application | Function | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Pet food (dry and wet) | Antimycotic (prevents mold) | 0.05–0.1% |
| Livestock feed | Preservative | 0.05–0.1% |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Crop protection | Fungicide (acid form – benzoic acid, not sodium salt) |
| Post-harvest treatment | Mold prevention on fruits and vegetables |
| Parameter | Value | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Oral LD₅₀ (rat) | 2,500–4,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) | Not classified |
| Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) | >2,000 mg/kg | Not classified |
| Inhalation LC₅₀ | Not determined (dust may irritate) | Not classified |
| Skin irritation | Non-irritant | Not classified |
| Eye irritation | Mild irritant (dust) | Not classified |
| Skin sensitization | Non-sensitizer | Not classified |
| Endpoint | Classification |
|---|---|
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified (non-carcinogenic) |
| Mutagenicity | Negative |
| Reproductive toxicity | Not classified |
| Target organ toxicity | Not classified |
Concern: Sodium benzoate can form trace amounts of benzene when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under heat or light.
Reaction: Benzoate + Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) → Benzene (trace) + CO₂
| Condition | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Soft drinks with vitamin C + sodium benzoate + heat/light | Low (<10 ppb benzene) |
| Ambient temperature, no light | Negligible |
| Food products without ascorbic acid | No risk |
Regulatory standards:
US EPA drinking water limit for benzene: 5 ppb
FDA: Soft drinks with >5 ppb benzene may be recalled (rare)
| Population | Reactions |
|---|---|
| General population | Very rare (0.01–0.1%) |
| Asthmatics | Urticaria (hives), bronchospasm (rare) |
| Atopic individuals | Contact urticaria (rare) |
| Classification | Category |
|---|---|
| Signal word | None (not classified as hazardous) |
| Hazard statements | None (under normal conditions) |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280 (for dust – eye protection) |
| Health | Flammability | Reactivity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
Hazards:
Low acute toxicity
Dust may cause mild eye and respiratory tract irritation
Non-flammable
Slightly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture)
PPE (recommended – industrial handling):
Safety glasses (EN 166) – optional (low hazard)
Dust mask (FFP1/FFP2) – for dusty operations
Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile – optional)
Protective clothing (dust protection)
Engineering controls:
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for dust control
Eyewash stations
Storage conditions:
Keep tightly closed in original container (HDPE, PP, paper bags with liner)
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Protect from moisture (slightly hygroscopic)
First aid:
Inhalation: Move to fresh air
Eye contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; remove contact lenses; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water (low toxicity)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable (>90% in 28 days, OECD 301) |
| Aquatic toxicity (fish, LC₅₀, 96 hours) | 100–500 mg/L (low to moderate toxicity) |
| Daphnia magna (EC₅₀, 48 hours) | 50–200 mg/L |
| Algal toxicity (EC₅₀, 72 hours) | 10–100 mg/L |
| Bioaccumulation | Low potential (log P < 1) |
| Soil mobility | High (high water solubility) |
| WGK Germany | 1 (low hazard to water) |
| Disposal method | Dissolve in water, flush to wastewater treatment (check local regulations) |
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | 5–30°C (room temperature) |
| Container | Keep tightly closed (HDPE, PP, paper bags with liner) |
| Protect from | Moisture (slightly hygroscopic – may cake) |
| Environment | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Shelf life (sealed, dry) | 24–36 months |
| Degradation indicators | Caking (moisture absorption), loss of flowability |
| Regulation | Classification |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not regulated (non-hazardous) |
| ADR/RID | Not classified as dangerous goods |
| IMDG | Not regulated |
| IATA | Not regulated |
| Proper shipping name | Sodium benzoate (non-hazardous) |
English: Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid Sodium Salt, Antimol, Sobanate
Trade names: Benzoate, Benzoat Sodyum, Soda Benzoat
E number: E211
French: Benzoate de sodium
German: Natriumbenzoat
Spanish: Benzoato de sodio
Turkish: Sodyum Benzoat, Antimol
| Regulation | Status |
|---|---|
| REACH (EU) | Registered (EC 208-534-8) |
| TSCA (US) | Listed |
| FDA | GRAS – food additive (E211) – 21 CFR § 184.1733 |
| EFSA | Permitted as food additive (E211) – with maximum residue limits |
| USP / Ph. Eur. | Monographed for pharmaceutical use |
| EPA | Not restricted |
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Effective broad-spectrum preservative | Effective against yeasts, molds, and some bacteria (especially in acidic pH) |
| Low cost | One of the most economical food preservatives |
| GRAS status | FDA-approved for food use (E211) |
| High water solubility | 63 g/100 mL at 20°C – easy to incorporate |
| Synergistic with other preservatives | Works well with potassium sorbate, parabens |
| Stable | Long shelf life (24–36 months) |
| Non-toxic at use levels | Very low acute toxicity (LD₅₀ >2,500 mg/kg) |
| Widely approved | Permitted in food, pharma, cosmetics globally |
| pH indicator | Weakly alkaline solution (pH 7–8) |
| Corrosion inhibitor | Protects metal surfaces in coolants and industrial fluids |
pH-dependent activity – Only effective at pH <4.5 (requires acidic environment)
Precipitates with strong acids – Forms insoluble benzoic acid
Potential benzene formation – With ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under heat/light
Not effective at neutral/alkaline pH – Above pH 5.5, activity negligible
Slight hygroscopicity – Absorbs moisture; may cake
| Property | Sodium Benzoate (C₇H₅NaO₂) | Benzoic Acid (C₆H₅COOH) |
|---|---|---|
| Water solubility (20°C) | 63 g/100 mL (very high) | 0.34 g/100 mL (very low) |
| Form | White powder | White crystals/flakes |
| pH (1% solution) | 7.0–8.5 (alkaline) | 2.5–3.5 (acidic) |
| Active form | Benzoic acid (after protonation) | Benzoic acid (direct) |
| Optimal pH range | 2.5–4.5 | 2.5–4.5 |
| Dust hazard | Low | Higher (respiratory irritant) |
| Corrosivity | Low | Moderate |
| Food additive code | E211 | E210 |
| Preferred use | Liquid formulations (soluble) | Dry mixes, low moisture foods |
| Property | Sodium Benzoate | Potassium Sorbate |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal pH range | 2.5–4.5 | 3.0–6.0 |
| Primary target | Yeasts, molds | Molds, yeasts, bacteria |
| Water solubility (20°C) | 63 g/100 mL | 58 g/100 mL |
| Cost | Lower | Moderate |
| Flavor impact | Slight bitter/sweet | Minimal |
| Benzene formation risk | With ascorbic acid | None |
| Food additive code | E211 | E202 |
| Common application | Soft drinks, pickles | Baked goods, cheese, wine |
| Product Type | Typical Concentration (%) | Maximum Permitted (Regulatory) |
|---|---|---|
| Soft drinks (carbonated) | 0.01–0.02% | 0.015% (150 mg/kg) |
| Fruit juices | 0.05–0.1% | 0.1% (1,000 mg/kg) |
| Pickles, relishes | 0.05–0.1% | 0.1% (1,000 mg/kg) |
| Jams, jellies | 0.05–0.1% | 0.1% (1,000 mg/kg) |
| Salad dressings | 0.05–0.1% | 0.1% (1,000 mg/kg) |
| Pharmaceuticals (oral liquids) | 0.1–0.2% | 0.2% (2,000 mg/kg) |
| Cosmetics | 0.1–0.5% | 0.5% (5,000 mg/kg) |
| Mouthwash | 0.05–0.1% | 0.1% (1,000 mg/kg) |
| pH | % Undissociated Benzoic Acid | Antimicrobial Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 99% | Excellent |
| 2.5 | 98% | Excellent |
| 3.0 | 94% | Very good |
| 3.5 | 85% | Good |
| 4.0 | 60% | Moderate |
| 4.2 | 50% | Moderate |
| 4.5 | 35% | Low |
| 5.0 | 15% | Very low |
| 5.5 | 5% | Negligible |
| 6.0 | 1.5% | None |
| 7.0 | 0.1% | None |
Conclusion: Sodium benzoate is most effective at pH <4.0.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sodium Benzoate (E211) |
| CAS Number | 532-32-1 |
| EC Number | 208-534-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₅NaO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 144.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Density | 1.50 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | >300°C (decomposes) |
| pH (1% solution) | 7.0–8.5 |
| Water Solubility (20°C) | 63 g/100 mL |
| Assay (food grade) | 99.0–100.5% |
| E Number | E211 |
| pKa (benzoic acid) | 4.20 |
| Optimal pH range | 2.5–4.5 |
| Primary Applications | Food preservative (soft drinks, pickles, jams), pharmaceutical preservative, cosmetic preservative, corrosion inhibitor |
| GHS Signal Word | None (non-hazardous) |
| Hazard Statements | None |
| Oral LD₅₀ (rat) | 2,500–4,000 mg/kg |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable |
| Shelf Life | 24–36 months |
This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for food technologists, beverage formulators, pharmaceutical scientists, cosmetic chemists, industrial engineers, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.