Benzoic acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid that can be considered a kind of organic acidifier.

Name breakdown and function of the components

• Benzoic - Refers to the basic benzene structure of the compound.
• Acid - Indicates that the substance has acidic properties.

Description and function of the raw materials used in production

Benzoic acid can be sourced from various means:

• Directly from some plants such as rowan berries.
• Chemical synthesis through the reaction of bromobenzene with NaOH, followed by acidification.

Summary of the industrial synthesis process step by step

• Reaction - One of the more common syntheses starts with the reaction of bromobenzene with NaOH, which produces phenol and the sodium salt of benzoic acid.
• Acidification - The sodium salt of benzoic acid is then acidified, usually with hydrochloric acid, to produce benzoic acid.
• Purification - The crude benzoic acid is purified through various methods like crystallization.

It appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is used for and where

 It is known for its preservative properties and is used as a preservative in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Cosmetics

Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it allows perfume to be enhanced, masked or added to the final product, improving its commercial viability.  The consumer always expects to find a pleasant scent in a cosmetic product.

Preservative. Any product containing organic, inorganic compounds, water, needs to be preserved from microbial contamination. Preservatives act against the development of harmful microorganisms and against oxidation of the product.

pH adjuster. This ingredient tends to restore the pH of a cosmetic formulation to its optimal value. The correct pH value is an essential determinant for lipid synthesis in the stratum corneum. The average physiological pH value of the face ranges between 5.67 and 5.76. The hair fibre has a pH value of 3.67.

Medical

In dermatology, it is used to treat certain skin diseases. Improves intestinal functions (1).

Food

In the food industry, it can inhibit pathogenic microorganisms so it is used as a preservative and antibacterial against bacteria, moulds, yeasts etc. It is included in the list of European food additives as E210, preservative.

Commercial applications

Food industry: Used as a preservative to prevent the growth of molds, yeasts, and some types of bacteria in acidic food products like carbonated drinks, fruit juices, jams, and jellies.

Cosmetic and Skincare Products: Acts as a preservative in many cosmetic formulations to prevent contamination from microorganisms.

Pharmaceutical: Used as a preservative in certain drug formulations.

Industrial Manufacturing: Benzoic acid can be utilized in plastic production and other industrial applications.

Properties

Preservative: Effective against the growth of molds, yeasts, and certain bacteria.

Anti-microbial: Limits the growth of unwanted microorganisms in products.

pH: It has an acidic pH, making it ideal for preserving low pH products.

The human body should not absorb more than 5mg/kg body weight per day.

Benzoic acid studies

Molecular Formula: C₇H₆O₂

Linear Formula C₆H₅COOH

Molecular Weight: 122.123 g/mol

UNII: 8SKN0B0MIM

CAS: 65-85-0  8013-63-6  331473-08-6

EC Number:

FEMA Number: 2131

PubChem Substance ID 24854555

MDL number MFCD00002398

Beilstein Registry Number 636131

Synonyms:

• Dracylic acid
• benzenecarboxylic acid
• Carboxybenzene
• Benzeneformic acid
• phenylformic acid
• Benzenemethanoic acid
• Phenylcarboxylic acid
• Benzenemethonic acid
• Benzenemethanoate
• Phenylcarboxylate
• Benzenecarboxylate
• Carboxypolystyrene
• phenyl formic acid
• Sodium benzoic acid

References________________________________________________________________________

(1) Mao X, Yang Q, Chen D, Yu B, He J. Benzoic Acid Used as Food and Feed Additives Can Regulate Gut Functions. Biomed Res Int. 2019 Feb 26;2019:5721585. doi: 10.1155/2019/5721585.