Sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate (CAS 532-32-1, E211) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, commercially available under trade names including Purox S and Antimol. It is water-soluble and functions as a preservative, antioxidant, and pH buffer across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications.

In food and beverage manufacturing, sodium benzoate inhibits microbial growth by penetrating cell membranes and disrupting intracellular pH, making it effective against yeasts, moulds, and bacteria at concentrations typically between 0.05% and 0.1%. In pharmaceutical formulations, it serves as both a preservative and a buffering agent in liquid preparations.

Sodium benzoate is supplied in food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.), and industrial-grade specifications, in crystalline, granular, flake, and powder forms. It is compliant with EU regulation as E211 and falls under REACH registration. Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags and bulk options depending on grade and volume.