Sodium Benzoate

C₇H₅NaO₂

IUPAC: Sodium benzoate

CAS: 532-32-1

Overview

Sodium benzoate (E211) is the most widely used food preservative globally, found in soft drinks, condiments, and cosmetics. It inhibits mold, yeast, and some bacteria.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 5 1.0080
Carbon C 7 12.0110
Oxygen O 2 15.9990
Sodium Na 1 22.9900

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×5
3.5%
C
Carbon ×7
58.3%
O
Oxygen ×2
22.2%
Na
Sodium ×1
16.0%

Uses

  • • Food preservative (E211)
  • • Soft drink preservative
  • • Cosmetics preservative

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Can react with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to form benzene, a known carcinogen

Safety

  • ⚠ Can form benzene with vitamin C
  • ⚠ Hyperactivity concern in children

Structure

SMILES

C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)[O-].[Na+]

Properties

Type
salt
State
solid
Molar Mass
144.10 g/mol
Density
1.4400 g/cm³
Solubility
556 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
144.0187
TPSA
40.1 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
1
Heavy Atoms
10
Complexity
108.0

Related Compounds

Ammonium Bicarbonate

NH₄HCO₃

Ammonium Chloride

NH₄Cl

Ammonium Sulfate

(NH₄)₂SO₄

Barium Carbonate

BaCO₃

Barium Chloride

BaCl₂

Barium Sulfate

BaSO₄

Cadmium Sulfide

CdS

Calcium Acetate

Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂

Calcium Carbonate

CaCO₃

Calcium Citrate

Ca₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Benzoate?
Sodium Benzoate (C₇H₅NaO₂) is a salt compound with the IUPAC name Sodium benzoate.
What is the molecular weight of Sodium Benzoate?
Sodium Benzoate has a molar mass of 144.1 g/mol.
What state is Sodium Benzoate at room temperature?
Sodium Benzoate is a solid at room temperature.
Is Sodium Benzoate organic or inorganic?
Sodium Benzoate is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Sodium Benzoate?
Sodium Benzoate (C₇H₅NaO₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Sodium (Na).