Sodium benzoate (CAS 532-32-1)

Sodium benzoate (CAS 532-32-1)

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, widely used as a food preservative and pickling agent. A white crystaline 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 produced by the neutralization of benzoic acid, which is itself produced commercially by partial oxidation of toluene with oxygen.

Many foods are natural sources of benzoic acid, its salts (such as sodium benzoate), and its esters. Fruits and vegetables can be rich sources, particularly berries such as cranberry and bilberry. Other sources include seafood, such as prawns, and dairy products.