sodium benzoate

chemical compound

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July 13, 2026

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Sodium benzoate is a crystalline salt, chemically represented as C₇H₅O₂Na. It is a derivative of benzoic acid, an organic compound widely used as a food preservative. Sodium benzoate is primarily employed to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in food products, thereby preventing spoilage. Its effectiveness is enhanced in an acidic environment, and it is particularly potent against yeasts. While permitted in most countries, its use is typically regulated, often with a maximum allowable concentration of 0.1 percent, and its presence may need to be declared on food labels.123

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carboxylic acid
Aromatic acids
The sodium salt, sodium benzoate, is used as a preservative in many foods.
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The sodium salt, sodium benzoate, is used as a preservative in many foods.
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food preservation
Organic chemical preservatives
Sodium benzoate and other benzoates are among the principal chemical preservatives. The use of benzoates in certain products in prescribed quantity (usually not exceeding 0.1 percent) is permitted in most countries, some of which require a declaration of its use on the label of the…
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Sodium benzoate and other benzoates are among the principal chemical preservatives. The use of benzoates in certain products in prescribed quantity (usually not exceeding 0.1 percent) is permitted in most countries, some of which require a declaration of its use on the label of the…
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