1. Overview of Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate (CAS 532-32-1) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is widely used as a preservative in food, beverages, pharmaceutical formulations, and personal care products. It is known for its effective antimicrobial performance in acidic conditions and its excellent solubility in water.
The molecular formula of sodium benzoate is C₇H₅NaO₂, with a molecular weight of 144.11 g/mol. It can also be structurally represented as C₆H₅COONa.
Due to its stability, safety profile, and cost-effectiveness, sodium benzoate is one of the most widely used preservatives worldwide.
SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD supplies high-quality sodium benzoate suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications, with consistent quality control to meet international standards..
Basic Chemical Information
Chemical Name: Sodium Benzoate
CAS No.: 532-32-1
Molecular Formula: C7H5NaO2
Molecular Weight: 144.11 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Freely soluble in water; soluble in ethanol
Melting Point: >300°C (decomposes)
1.1 Product Forms
Sodium benzoate is available in different physical forms to meet various application and processing requirements:
Powder
Fine white crystalline powder with fast dissolution rate, widely used in food, beverages, and pharmaceutical formulations where rapid solubility is required.
Extruded Form (Noodles)
Also known as sodium benzoate noodles or extruded form, this type is produced through extrusion processes. It features reduced dust generation and improved handling performance, making it suitable for industrial processing and bulk mixing systems.
Granular / Pearls
Uniform granules or pearl-shaped particles with good flowability and low dust. This form is ideal for automated dosing systems and applications requiring consistent particle size distribution.
2. Food Grade Sodium Benzoate
Food-grade sodium benzoate (E211, FCC) is widely used as a preservative in acidic food and beverage systems. It is commonly applied in beverages, sauces, and processed foods where microbial control is required.
It is often used in combination systems such as sodium benzoate and citric acid to enhance preservative performance in acidic environments.
2.2 Analytical Specification
|
Item |
Unit |
Standard |
|
Assay (on dry basis) |
% |
≥ 99.0 |
|
Loss on Drying |
% |
≤ 1.5 |
|
Acidity or Alkalinity (0.1N titration) |
mL |
≤ 0.2 |
|
Heavy Metals (as Pb) |
% |
≤ 0.001 |
|
Arsenic (As) |
% |
≤ 0.0002 |
|
Chloride (Cl) |
% |
≤ 0.03 |
|
Clarity of Solution |
— |
Clear and colorless |
2.3 Mechanism and Applications
Antimicrobial Mechanism:
In acidic environments (pH below 4.5), sodium benzoate converts to benzoic acid, which penetrates microbial cell membranes and inhibits microbial growth.
Applications:
Carbonated beverages, fruit juices, sauces, pickles, jams, and condiments. It is also commonly used with other preservatives such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate for broader antimicrobial effectiveness.
3. Pharmaceutical Applications
3.1 Product Overview
Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative and excipient in pharmaceutical formulations such as syrups, oral liquids, and tablets. It is also used in formulations such as caffeine sodium benzoate and caffeine and sodium benzoate combinations.
Products intended for pharmaceutical applications require stricter control of purity, impurities, and microbiological quality.
3.2 Analytical Specification
|
Item |
Unit |
Standard |
|
Assay (on dry basis) |
% |
≥ 99.0 |
|
Loss on Drying |
% |
≤ 1.5 |
|
Acidity or Alkalinity (0.1N titration) |
mL |
≤ 0.2 |
|
Heavy Metals (as Pb) |
% |
≤ 0.001 |
|
Total Aerobic Microbial Count |
CFU/g |
≤ 100 |
|
Yeast and Mold |
CFU/g |
≤ 50 |
3.3 Mechanism and Applications
Sodium benzoate functions as a preservative in liquid pharmaceutical systems by inhibiting microbial growth in acidic environments.
Applications:
- Oral syrups
- Suspensions
- Tablets
- liquid preparations
4. Additional Applications
Sodium benzoate is also widely used in various non-food and non-pharmaceutical applications due to its preservative properties and compatibility.
Applications
Preservative in water-based industrial formulations
Used in personal care products such as shampoos and skin care formulations
Applied in hair care and cosmetic products
Used in selected chemical synthesis processes
5. Safety and Regulatory Considerations
Sodium benzoate (E211) is widely used within regulated limits in food and pharmaceutical applications. Topics such as sodium benzoate side effects, sodium benzoate allergy, and whether sodium benzoate is toxic are often discussed in technical and regulatory contexts.
Under normal conditions of use, it is considered safe when used within approved limits by major regulatory authorities. Sensitivity may occur in specific individuals, and usage should follow local regulatory guidelines.
6. Packaging and Storage
Packaging:
25 kg bags or drums, customized packaging available
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep tightly sealed and avoid moisture, heat, and strong oxidizing agents
7. Supply and Technical Support
SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD provides:
Stable product quality and reliable supply
Strict quality control for sodium benzoate assay and key parameters
Complete documentation (COA, SDS, test reports)
Technical support for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications
Flexible packaging and logistics solutions
Contact Us
Contact SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD now to get COA, free samples and the latest quotation.
Email: shirley@snowhitechem.com
Phone: +86-25-56215758
WhatsApp：+86-13776524331
