Benzoic Acid

Benzoic Acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid, with the formula C7H6O2 and a molecular weight of 122.12 g/mol. It is produced commercially by the catalytic oxidation of toluene, and occurs naturally in many fruits and spices.

It is a white crystalline solid that is poorly soluble in cold water but much more soluble in hot water and in alcohols and oils. With a pKa of 4.2, it is the active form behind every benzoate preservative.

• Food preservation: E210 controls yeasts and moulds in acidic foods, especially where the oil or fat phase needs protecting.
• Pharmaceuticals: an ingredient in topical antifungal preparations such as Whitfield's ointment, and a preservative.
• Cosmetics and personal care: a preservative, within regulated limits.
• Animal feed: used in pig diets, where it is valued for its effects on gut flora and feed preservation.
• Chemical synthesis: a precursor to sodium benzoate, benzoyl chloride, phenol and plasticisers, and used in alkyd resins.

Benzoic Acid is the active preservative; Sodium Benzoate is its soluble salt, which turns back into the acid at low pH. Agarwal Life Sciences manufactures both.

• European Union, food: E210 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. In non-alcoholic flavoured drinks, benzoates (E210–E213) are limited to 150 mg/L, expressed as benzoic acid.
• EFSA (2016) set a group acceptable daily intake of 5 mg/kg body weight a day for benzoic acid and its salts. JECFA (FAO/WHO) revised its group ADI to 0–20 mg/kg body weight in 2021.
• United States: GRAS as an antimicrobial and flavouring agent under 21 CFR 184.1021, with current usage resulting in a maximum of 0.1% in food.
• European Union, cosmetics: permitted as a preservative under Annex V of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, up to 2.5% in rinse-off products, 1.7% in oral care and 0.5% in leave-on products.
• European Union, feed: benzoic acid is authorised as a zootechnical additive for pigs only as specific, holder-named products. Check the authorisation that applies before using any benzoic acid in EU feed.
• HS code: 2916.31 (India ITC-HS 2916 31 10, benzoic acid).

Agarwal Life Sciences packs Benzoic Acid in 25 kg paper bags with a liner, or in 50 kg HDPE drums.

Store it in well-closed containers in a cool, dry place. Benzoic Acid dust can irritate the skin, eyes and airways, so handle it with dust control and suitable protective equipment, following the safety data sheet.

• BP, USP, FCC and Feed grades from one manufacturer, alongside Sodium Benzoate.
• 30 years of manufacturing experience, at two GMP plants at MIDC Boisar–Tarapur, Maharashtra.
• Certified to GMP, ISO 9001:2015, FSSC 22000 and FAMI-QS, with Halal and Kosher certification.
• Supplying customers in 39 countries; certificate of analysis and samples on request.