Benzoic acid
General Product Information
| Article | Benzoic acid |
| Synonyms | E210, Benzenecarboxylic acid, Carboxybenzene, Benzoyl alcohol, Benzoylic acid, Carboxylbenzene |
| CAS No. | 65-85-0 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 200-618-2 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29163100 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Benzoic acid is a Pharmaceutical Grade of benzoic acid that meets stringent specifications. It is an organic aromatic acid produced for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Benzoic acid is often used in drug production and as a preservative in the food industry. Benzoic acid is also used as a raw material in the synthesis of other chemical compounds, such as salicylic acid.
Characteristics
- Grade: Pharmaceutical. Compared to Technical grade benzoic acid, this grade benzoic acid has higher purity and meets stricter standards for solvent residues and other contaminants.
- High purity: Meets pharmaceutical requirements for use in medicinal applications.
- Odor: Weak odor of gasoline.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C7H6O2 |
| Molar Weight | 122.12 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 121,6 – 123,0 °C |
| Boiling Point | 249 °C (at 760 mmHg) |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, ether and acetone; slightly soluble in water (0.29 g/100 ml at 25 °C) |
| Density | 1.32 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Solutions of benzoic acid in water are acidic, with a pH of about 2.4 at a concentration of 0.1 M. |
| Color | White |
| Shape | Crystalline powder or crystals |
Applications
Benzoic acid is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
Benzoic acid is used in the production of drugs, particularly as an antimicrobial agent in ointments and creams. It is also an intermediate for the synthesis of salicylic acid, which in turn is used in the production of aspirin and other pharmaceuticals.
2. Cosmetics & Personal Care
As a preservative in creams, lotions and other cosmetics….
3. Food Industry
It is used as a preservative (as food additive E210) for a wide range of foods, including jams, sauces and soft drinks.
4. Chemical Industry
Benzoic acid is used as an intermediate in the production of plastics, such as polybenzoic acid and other polymers.
Interessing Links
- British Pharmacopoeia (BP) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC) – Food facts for healthy choices.
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- European Pharmacopoeia (EP) of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare.
- PubChem – Benzoic Acid of the National Library of Medicine by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Wikipedia – Benzoic acid