Natriumbenzoat

BeschreibungSodium benzoate has the chemical formula NaC7H5O2; it is a widely used food preservative, with E number E211. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and exists in this form when dissolved in water. It can be produced by reacting sodium hydroxide with benzoic acid.

OccurrenceBenzoic acid occurs naturally in many plants and in animals. The salt is not found to occur naturally.

HistoryIn 1820, benzoic acid was discovered by German chemist Friedrich Wöhler through the oxidation of toluene. His research laid the groundwork for the eventual production of sodium benzoate. The process typically involves neutralizing benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide, creating sodium benzoate—a stable compound with excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sodium benzoate was commercially introduced in the late 19th century. Its preservative qualities made it particularly valuable as food products began to be mass-produced and distributed. In 1908, sodium benzoate was recognized as a food preservative by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This allowed it to be used in various food products, including soft drinks, pickles, and sauces, to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.

Verwendensodium benzoate is a non-toxic, organic salt preservative that is particularly effective against yeast, with some activity against molds and bacteria. It is generally used in concentrations of 0.1 to 0.2 percent.