Sodium Benzoate | Sodium Benzoate | E211

Sodium Benzoate General Information

Chemical Name: Sodium Benzoate (Sodium salt of benzoic acid)
INCI Name: Sodium Benzoate
Pearl Name: Sodium Benzoate
General Trade Name: Sodium Benzoate
English Name: Sodium Benzoate
Turkish Name: Sodium Benzoate
CAS Number: 532-32-1
EC Number: 208-534-8
IUPAC Number: Sodium benzoate (sodium salt of benzoic acid)
E Food Code: E211

1. Brief Description of Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Benzoate, It is known as the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is often used as a preservative. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it has a wide range of applications in the food and cosmetics sectors. It works best in acidic environments below pH 4.5.

2. Areas of Use and Usage Rates of Sodium Benzoate

Areas of Use:

• Food Industry: As a preservative in canned goods, beverages, jams and marinades.
• Cosmetics Industry: For antimicrobial protection in creams, lotions, shampoos and facial cleansers..
• Industrial Use: As an antifungal agent in paints.

Usage Rates:

• In food products: %0.1 – %0.3 (may vary depending on legal regulations).
• In cosmetic products: %0.5 – %1.

3. Physical Properties of the Product

• Appearance: In the form of white crystalline powder or granules. It has a homogeneous structure and is generally odorless.
• Melting Point:  Pure sodium benzoate begins to melt (sublimate) before decomposing at around 300°C.
• Intensity: 1.44 g/cm³ (at room temperature).
• Resolution:
• Solubility in Water: It has a solubility of approximately 63 g/100 ml at 25°C.
• Solubility in Ethyl Alcohol: Partially soluble. Shows low solubility in organic solvents.
• Smell: It usually has no or very mild odor.
• Flavor: It has a slightly sweet taste, but leaves no distinct aftertaste.
• pH Value: Aqueous solution (1% solution): May be slightly alkaline between 7.0 and 8.5.
• Flash Point: It does not have flammable properties.
• Crystal Structure: It has a monoclinic or triclinic crystal structure.
• Hygroscopicity: It is not hygroscopic and maintains its stability in dry environments.

4. Chemical Properties and Molecular Formula of the Product

• Sodium Benzoate Molecular Formula: C₆H₅COONa (Sodium salt of benzoic acid)
• Molecular Weight: 144.11 g/mol
• Chemical Structure: One benzene ringThe carboxylate group (COO⁻) attached to the neutralized form with sodium ion. It has an aromatic structure.
• Reactivity: It turns into benzoic acid in low pH environments (acid environments). This provides its antimicrobial activity. It is ineffective in alkaline (basic) environments.
• Aqueous Solution Behavior:  When dissolved in water, sodium ions (Na⁺) and benzoate ions (C₆H₅COO⁻) decomposes.  The solution pH is slightly alkaline (7-8.5).
• Antimicrobial Properties: Prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast and mold in acidic environments. The pH level at which it is most effective It is below 4.5.
• Stability: It is quite stable at room temperature and under appropriate conditions. May decompose at high temperatures.
• Decomposition: At high temperatures it can decompose into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃).
• Hydrolysis: In acidic medium it turns into benzoic acid:
• Chemical Stability: It preserves its chemical structure in contact with air and light, but should be kept away from moisture.

5. Other Names of the Product

Turkish Names:

• Benzoic Acid Sodium Salt, Benzoic Acid with Sodium Salt, Benzoate Salt, E211 Food Preservative,
• Polyethylene glycol cetearyl ether.

Sodium Benzoate Trade Names:

Sodium benzoate, 532-32-1, Sobenate, Antimol, Benzoic acid, sodium salt, Benzoic acid sodium salt, Benzoate sodium, Benzoate of soda, Benzoate, sodium, sodium;benzoate, Natrium benzoicum, FEMA No. 3025, Fuminaru, Benzoan sodny, Caswell No. 746, Microcare sb, PUROX S, FEMA Number 3025, CCRIS 3921, HSDB 696, Benzoesaeure (na-salz), UNII-OJ245FE5EU, EINECS 208-534-8, OJ245FE5EU, benzoic acid sodium,

MFCD00012463, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 009103, INS NO.211, DTXSID1020140, E211, AI3-07835, INS-211, DTXCID90140, Sodiumbenzoate, E-211, CHEBI:113455, EC 208-534-8, AMMONUL COMPONENT SODIUM BENZOATE, UCEPHAN COMPONENT SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM BENZOATE (II), SODIUM BENZOATE [II], SODIUM BENZOATE (MART.), SODIUM BENZOATE [MART.], SODIUM BENZOATE (USP-RS), SODIUM BENZOATE [USP-RS] , Benzoan sodny [Czech],

SODIUM BENZOATE (EP MONOGRAPH), SODIUM BENZOATE [EP MONOGRAPH], Benzoesaeure (na-salz) [German], s panax mist, BzONa, Sodium benzoate [USAN:JAN:NF], monosodium benzoate, Sodium Benzoate,(S), Sodium benzoate (TN), s panax mist for refill, s panax all in one mist, SCHEMBL823, CHEMBL1356, SODIUM BENZOATE [MI], Sodium benzoate (JP18/NF), SODIUM BENZOATE [FCC], SODIUM BENZOATE [JAN], SODIUM BENZOATE [FHFI], SODIUM BENZOATE [HSDB],

SODIUM BENZOATE [USAN], SODIUM BENZOATE [VANDF], SODIUM BENZOATE [WHO-DD], Benzoic acid, sodium salt (1:1), HY-Y1316, Tox21_300125, SODIUM BENZOATE [ORANGE BOOK], AKOS003053000, AKOS015890021, CCG- 266169, NCGC00254072-01, CAS-532-32-1, DA-57965, SODIUM BENZOATE COMPONENT OF AMMONUL, SODIUM BENZOATE COMPONENT OF UCEPHAN, CS-0017788, NS00074364, S0593, D02277, A829462, Q423971, J-519752, Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association No. 3025.

6. Useful Links

• PubChem Link: Sodium Benzoate – PubChem.
• Product Chemical Safety Data Sheet (LCSS): National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem Compound LCSS for CID 517055, Sodium Benzoate. Retrieved December 9, 2024 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-Benzoate#datasheet=LCSS.

7. Sodium Benzoate Safety and Storage Information

Security Information

1. GHS Classification:
   • It is classified as a low toxic substance.
2. Toxicity:
   • Low toxicity upon oral administration.
   • In large quantities it may cause stomach upset.
3. Inhalation:
   • Inhalation of dust form may cause irritation.
   • The use of a mask is recommended.
4. Skin Contact:
   • Prolonged contact may cause irritation.
   • In case of contact, wash with plenty of water.
5. Eye Contact:
   • May cause burning and irritation.
   • In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
6. Swallowing:
   • Small amounts are generally harmless.
   • Large amounts may cause nausea and discomfort.
7. Preventive Measures:
   • Gloves, goggles and work clothes should be used during chemical processing.
   • The work area should be well ventilated.
8. Emergency Measures:
   • If swallowed, do not induce vomiting, but seek medical attention.
   • In case of contact with skin and eyes, rinse with plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary.

Storage Information

1. Storage Conditions:
   • It should be stored in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area.
   • It should be protected from moisture and direct sunlight.
   • Should be kept away from oxidizing agents, acids and strong bases.
2. Packaging:
   • Must be kept in original, airtight sealed packaging.
   • It can be stored in plastic or metal containers.
3. Storage Temperature:
   • It should be stored at room temperature (15-25°C).
4. Shelf life:
   • Under appropriate storage conditions, it generally remains stable for 2-3 years.
5. Transport:
   • Not classified as hazardous material.
   • Must be protected from physical damage during transport.
6. Waste Management:
   • Small quantities should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
   • For large amounts of waste, a recycling or disposal facility should be consulted.

8. Remarkable Information About Sodium Benzoate

• Antimicrobial Effect Depends on pH:
  • Sodium Benzoate provides effective protection in low pH (acidic) environments. While it shows maximum antimicrobial activity below pH 4.5, it loses its effect in environments above pH 7.
• Conversion to Benzoic Acid:
  • In acidic environments, sodium benzoate turns into benzoic acid and gains antimicrobial properties. This prevents the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria.
• FDA and EFSA Approval:
  • Sodium Benzoate, both FDA  as well as EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) It is approved as a safe additive by. However, the maximum usage limits specified must be observed.
• Use in Food Products:
  • Sodium Benzoate, classified with the code “E211”, is widely used as a preservative in many products such as carbonated drinks, jams, pickles and marinades.
• Safe Protection in Cosmetic Products:
  • Sodium Benzoate is used as an antimicrobial agent in cosmetic products such as shampoos, lotions, and facial cleansers and is generally considered safe for the skin.
• High Resolution:
  • It is easily soluble in water (approximately 63 g/100 ml at 25°C). This feature facilitates its use in liquid formulations.
• Risk of Allergic Reaction for Sensitive Individuals:
  • In rare cases, it may cause mild allergic reactions (skin irritation or eye discomfort) in sensitive individuals.
• Regulations in Some Countries:
  • Sodium Benzoate can only be used in certain proportions in some countries. For example, its use in food products is generally determined by legal limits at %0.1-0.3.
• Combined Use:
  • Sodium Benzoate is often used with other preservatives, such as potassium sorbate, to increase its effectiveness.
• Availability in Nature:
  • Although Sodium Benzoate is produced synthetically, benzoic acid occurs naturally in low amounts in some fruits (e.g., blueberries and apples).
• Global Application Areas:
  • It has a widespread use in many sectors such as food, cosmetics and industrial paints.
• Environmental Impact:
  • It does not harm the environment when used under controlled conditions. However, high doses may cause toxicity in aquatic ecosystems.
• Carcinogenicity Claims:
  • It has been discussed that it may react with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) at very high temperatures and under unfavourable conditions to form benzene. However, this risk is considered insignificant under correct usage conditions.
• Strong Shelf Stability:
  • When stored properly, it has a long shelf life and does not lose its properties.

9. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Sodium Benzoate

1. What is Sodium Benzoate?
Sodium Benzoate is a chemical compound that is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. It is generally used as an antimicrobial preservative in foods and cosmetics. It is also known by the food additive code "E211".

2. Is Sodium Benzoate safe?
Yes, Sodium Benzoate is considered safe within the limits set by the FDA and EFSA. However, exceeding legal limits and improper use can lead to risks.

3. In what products is Sodium Benzoate used?

• Food: Jam, soft drinks, pickles, marinades and canned products.
• Cosmetic: Shampoo, lotion, facial cleanser and creams.

4. What is the maximum dosage of Sodium Benzoate?
It is generally used in food products at a ratio of %0.1 – %0.3. This ratio may vary depending on the country and product type.

5. Is Sodium Benzoate natural or synthetic?
Sodium Benzoate is usually produced synthetically. However, natural benzoic acid can be found in some fruits and spices, such as blueberries, apples, and cinnamon.

6. How does Sodium Benzoate work with pH?
Sodium Benzoate shows the most effective preservative properties in low pH (below 4.5) environments. In these conditions, it provides antimicrobial activity by converting to benzoic acid.

7. Is Sodium Benzoate carcinogenic?
It is not carcinogenic when used under appropriate conditions and in recommended amounts. However, it has the potential to react with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under inappropriate conditions to form low levels of benzene. This risk is negligible when used correctly.

8. Can Sodium Benzoate cause allergies?
It may occasionally cause allergic reactions (skin irritation, burning eyes or breathing problems) in sensitive individuals. However, these reactions are usually minor.

9. How should Sodium Benzoate be stored?
It should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place. It should be protected from moisture and sunlight and kept in its original packaging. Room temperature (15-25°C) is ideal.

10. Is Sodium Benzoate harmful to the environment?
It does not harm the environment in normal use. However, in high concentrations it can cause water pollution and be toxic to aquatic organisms. Therefore, its disposal should be done in accordance with environmental regulations.

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