Title: Sodium Benzoate
CAS Registry Number: 532-32-1
Molecular Formula: C7H5NaO2
Molecular Weight: 144.10
Percent Composition: C 58.34%, H 3.50%, Na 15.95%, O 22.21%
Literature References: Toxicity: Smyth, Carpenter,
J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 30, 63 (1948).
Properties: White, odorless granules or crystalline powder; sweetish, astringent taste. One gram dissolves in 1.8 ml water, 1.4 ml boiling water, about 75 ml alcohol, in 50 ml of a mixture of 47.5 ml alcohol and 3.7 ml water. The aq soln is slightly alkaline to litmus. pH about 8.
Incompat: Acids, ferric salts. LD50 orally in rats: 4.07 g/kg (Smyth, Carpenter).
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: 4.07 g/kg (Smyth, Carpenter)
Use: Antimicrobial agent, flavoring agent and adjuvant in food; not to exceed a maximum level of 0.1% in food (
21 CFR, 184.1733, 582.3733). Antifungal and bacteriostatic preservative in pharmaceuticals at concentrations of ~0.1%. Clinical reagent (bilirubin assay).
Therap-Cat: Diagnostic aid (hepatic function).
Keywords: Diagnostic Aid.
