Benzoic Acid, Benzyl Acid, Phenylformic Acid, Benzene Carboxylic Acid, E210, 65-85-0

BENZOIC ACID (E210)

Benzoic Acid / Benzene Carboxylic Acid / Phenylformic Acid / Benzyl Acid / E210
CAS Number: 65-85-0
EC Number: 200-618-2

SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Benzoic acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid, consisting of a benzene ring attached to a carboxyl group (-COOH). It is found naturally in free form and as esters in many plants and animals. It is widely used as a food preservative (E210), and as a precursor in the production of many organic compounds. Its salts and esters are collectively known as "benzoates."

SECTION 2: SYNONYMS AND OTHER NAMES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

3.1. Molecular Structure

Benzoic acid consists of a benzene ring substituted with a carboxyl group (-COOH). It is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid.

Structural Formula:

        COOH
         |
         C
        / \
       /   \
      /     \
     /       \
    C         C
    |         |
    C - H     C - H
    |         |
    C         C
     \       /
      \     /
       \   /
        \ /
         C

Simplified Representation:

        COOH
         |
    C₆H₅ - H

3.2. Molecular Formula

C₇H₆O₂ (C₆H₅COOH)

3.3. Molecular Weight

122.12 g/mol

3.4. Structural Identifiers

3.5. Key Structural Features

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 5: SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Log P Value: 1.87 (lipophilic character; soluble in water and organic solvents)

SECTION 6: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 7: REACTION EQUATIONS

7.1. Neutralization with Sodium Hydroxide

C₆H₅COOH + NaOH → C₆H₅COONa + H₂O

7.2. Esterification with Methanol

C₆H₅COOH + CH₃OH → C₆H₅COOCH₃ + H₂O

7.3. Decarboxylation

C₆H₅COOH → C₆H₆ + CO₂ (at high temperature)

7.4. Reduction

C₆H₅COOH + 2[H] → C₆H₅CH₂OH (benzyl alcohol)

SECTION 8: PRODUCTION METHODS

8.1. Main Production Method: Toluene Oxidation

8.2. Alternative Synthesis Methods

SECTION 9: NATURAL SOURCES

SECTION 10: APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

10.1. Food Industry (Preservative)

Important Note: Benzoic acid is generally used in foods as its sodium salt (sodium benzoate, E211) because the sodium salt has higher solubility. It should be mixed with ethyl alcohol and hot water to increase solubility before use.

10.2. Chemical Industry

10.3. Plastic and Polymer Industry

10.4. Cosmetics and Personal Care

10.5. Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications

10.6. Agriculture and Animal Nutrition

10.7. Industrial Applications

SECTION 11: DERIVATIVES AND THEIR USES

SECTION 12: METABOLISM AND BEHAVIOR IN THE BODY

SECTION 13: TOXICOLOGY AND SAFETY

SECTION 14: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-STRESS PROPERTIES

SECTION 15: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

SECTION 16: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 17: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 18: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 19: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

SECTION 20: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 21: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 22: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 23: REGULATORY INFORMATION

SECTION 24: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q1: What are the uses of benzoic acid?
A: Benzoic acid is used as a food preservative, as well as in cosmetics, dyes, plastics, and insecticides. It also serves as an intermediate in the production of phenol, caprolactam, sodium benzoate, and potassium benzoate.

Q2: What are the possible harms and side effects of benzoic acid?
A: While considered acceptable as a food preservative at low concentrations, it can be harmful at high doses and may cause allergic reactions or asthma. It may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Q3: What are the other names or synonyms for benzoic acid?
A: Benzene carboxylic acid, phenyl carboxylic acid, phenylformic acid, benzene formic acid, carboxybenzene, d racylic acid, orasilic acid. Its salts and esters are called "benzoates."

Q4: What is the chemical formula of benzoic acid?
A: The chemical formula of benzoic acid is C₇H₆O₂ or C₆H₅COOH.

Q5: How does benzoic acid react with sodium hydroxide?
A: Benzoic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium benzoate and water: C₆H₅COOH + NaOH → C₆H₅COONa + H₂O

Q6: Where can benzoic acid be found naturally?
A: Benzoic acid is naturally found in cranberries, blueberries, pineapple, mushrooms, cloves, and cinnamon. It may also occur naturally in some dairy products, and gum benzoin (benzoin resin) is an important source.

Q7: What is the E number of benzoic acid?
A: The E number of benzoic acid as a food additive is E210. Its sodium salt is E211, potassium salt is E212, and calcium salt is E213.

Q8: How is benzoic acid metabolized in the body?
A: Benzoic acid is conjugated with glycine in the liver to form hippuric acid (benzoylglycine) and is excreted via the kidneys in urine.

SECTION 25: QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

SECTION 26: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL NOTICES

SUMMARY:

Benzoic Acid (C₇H₆O₂, CAS: 65-85-0, E210) is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid. It is a white crystalline solid with a faint aromatic odor and bitter taste. It melts at 122.4°C and boils at 249°C. It is slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, acetone, chloroform).

KEY PROPERTIES:

• Simplest aromatic carboxylic acid

• Found in free and ester forms in nature

• Salts and esters are called "benzoates"

• Antimicrobial and antifungal properties

• Stable structure

MAIN APPLICATION AREAS:

• Food Industry: Preservative (E210), especially in beverages, fruit juices, ketchup, jams, cheese

• Chemical Industry: Intermediate for phenol, caprolactam, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate

• Plastic and Rubber: Polymerization activator, UV absorber, rubber additive

• Cosmetics: Preservative in wet wipes and cosmetic products

• Pharmaceuticals: Antifungal products, inhalants, expectorants

• Agriculture: Plant protection, feed additive

• Industrial: Cooling fluids, underground drilling, textile bleaching

DERIVATIVES: Sodium benzoate (E211), potassium benzoate (E212), calcium benzoate (E213), benzyl benzoate, benzoyl peroxide, benzoic anhydride, hippuric acid.

METABOLISM: Conjugated with glycine in the liver to form hippuric acid and excreted via kidneys.

SAFETY: Considered safe at low concentrations; high doses may cause allergic reactions. Used widely as a food preservative and poses no risk when used within safe limits for human consumption.

CRITICAL NOTICES:

1. Solubility: Benzoic acid has low water solubility. For food applications, it is typically used as its sodium salt (sodium benzoate) or dissolved in alcohol before addition.

2. pH Dependent Activity: Benzoic acid is most effective as a preservative at pH below 4.0 (undissociated form). At higher pH, its antimicrobial activity decreases.

3. Sublimation: Benzoic acid sublimates at high temperatures. Store in tightly closed containers.

4. Incompatibility: Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and reducing agents.

5. Allergic Reactions: May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly asthmatics.

6. Food Additive Status: Approved as food additive E210 in the EU, USA, and many other countries.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional or medical advice.