Sodium benzoate

Agent Name
Sodium benzoate
CAS Number
532-32-1
Formula
C7-H5-O2.Na
Major Category
Metals
Sodium benzoate formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Benzoic acid, sodium salt; Antimol; Benzoan sodny [Czech]; Benzoate of soda; Benzoate sodium; Benzoesaeure (na-salz) [German]; Natrium benzoicum; Sobenate; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Organic Acids, Metal Salts
Description
White odorless solid; [Merck Index] Hygroscopic; [ICSC] White powder; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used as an intermediate and preservative (foods, pharmaceuticals, lotions, mouthwashes, and water-based paint); [HSDB] Used as flavoring agent, adjuvant in foods, clinical reagent (bilirubin assay), and diagnostic aid (hepatic function); [Merck Index] Used as corrosion inhibitor in engine cooling systems; [CHEMINFO]
Comments
A mild eye irritant; [ICSC] Rats fed sodium benzoate at 8% of their diet for 90 days showed less weight gain and other physiological changes; [HSDB] May cause temporary hives; [CHEMINFO] Can cause non-immunological contact urticaria; [Kanerva, p. 219] Rapidly absorbed and excreted in the urine as hippuric acid; [Reference #1] TLV Basis: kidney changes; [ACGIH] May cause irritation; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

TLV (ACGIH)
2.5 mg/m3, inhalable particulate matter, measured as benzoate
Explanatory Notes
VP = <0.007; [ACGIH]

Adverse Effects

Nephrotoxin
Yes
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Suspected

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: