Benzoic Acid

Synonyms: Acidum benzoicum; benzenecarboxylic acid; benzeneformic acid; carboxybenzene; dracylic acid; E210; phenylcarboxylic acid; phenylformic acid.

Description: Benzoic acid occurs as feathery, light, white or colorless crystals or
powder. It is essentially tasteless and odorless or with a slight
characteristic odor suggestive of benzoin.

Chemical Name: Benzoic acid

Antimicrobial preservative; ; therapeutic agent.

• Benzoic acid is widely used in cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals , as an antimicrobial preservative.

• Greatest activity is seen at pH values between 2.5–4.5.

• Benzoic acid also has a long history of use as an antifungal agent(4) in topical therapeutic preparations such as Whitfield’s ointment (benzoic acid 6% and salicylic acid 3%).

Undergoes typical reactions of an organic acid, e.g. with alkalis or heavy metals. Preservative activity may be reduced by interaction with kaolin

Ingested benzoic acid is conjugated with glycine in the liver to yield hippuric acid, which is then excreted in the urine; care should be taken when administering benzoic acid to patients with chronic liver disease. Benzoic acid is a gastric irritant, and a mild irritant to the skin. It is also a mild irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Benzoic acid may be harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption and may be irritant to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Benzoic acid should be handled in a well-ventilated environment; eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask or respirator are recommended. Benzoic acid is flammable.

Potassium benzoate; sodium benzoate.