Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, widely used as a food preservative and pickling agent. A white crystalline chemical with the formula C6H5COONa, it has an E number of E211. It can be produced by reacting sodium hydroxide with benzoic acid.
Sodium benzoate is an organic sodium salt resulting from the replacement of the proton from the carboxy group of benzoic acid by a sodium ion. It has a role as an antimicrobial food preservative, a drug allergen, an EC 1.13. 11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, an EC 3.1.
Sodium benzoate is commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care items, such as hair products, baby wipes, toothpaste, and mouthwash ( 2 ). It also has industrial uses. One of its biggest applications is to deter corrosion, such as in coolants for car engines.
Sodium benzoate is typically dosed for adults at 2–5 g orally twice daily.
