Food & beverage
Preservative in acidic foods and beverages.
Ingredients / Preservatives / Benzoic Acid
Preservatives
Benzoic Acid (E 210)
Benzoic acid for U.S. manufacturers, from vetted producers. FCC / USP grade on request. Download the sample spec sheet, then send us your grade and quantity.
TRACED · CERTIFIED · RELIABLE · TRANSPARENT · TESTED
Key facts
| CAS No. | 65-85-0 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 210 |
| Synonyms | Benzoic acid, Benzenecarboxylic acid, Phenylcarboxylic acid |
| Chemical formula | C7H6O2 |
| Molecular weight | 122,12 |
| Description | White crystalline powder |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 210) sample spec · FCC / USP available on request for U.S. food/pharma use |
| Origin | Confirmed in every offer; stated per lot on the COA |
| Storage, shelf life, packaging | Per the producer's specification, on request |
What benzoic acid is
Chemical name: Benzoic acid. Formula C7H6O2, molecular weight 122,12. White crystalline powder. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 210.)
Applications by industry
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 210), consolidated text of 18.08.2026. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the COA for your lot are available on request.
| Assay | Content not less than 99,5 % on the anhydrous basis |
|---|---|
| Loss on drying | Not more than 0,5 % (3 hours, over sulphuric acid) |
| Sulphated ash | Not more than 0,05 % |
| Chlorinated organic compounds | Not more than 0,07 % expressed as chloride corresponding to 0,3 % expressed as monochlorobenzoic acid |
| Readily oxidisable substances | Add 1,5 ml of sulphuric acid to 100 ml of water, heat to boiling point and add 0,1 N KMnO4 in drops, until the pink colour persists for 30 seconds. Dissolve 1 g of the sample, weighed to the nearest mg, in the heated solution, and titrate with 0,1 N KMnO4 to a pink colour that persists for 15 seconds. Not more than 0,5 ml should be required |
| Readily carbonisable substances | A cold solution of 0,5 g of benzoic acid in 5 ml of 94,5 to 95,5 % sulphuric acid must not show a stronger colouring than that of a reference liquid containing 0,2 ml of cobalt chloride TSC (^1), 0,3 ml of ferric chloride TSC (^2), 0,1 ml of copper sulphate TSC (^3) and 4,4 ml of water |
| Polycyclic acids | On fractional acidification of a neutralised solution of benzoic acid, the first precipitate must not have a different melting point from that of the benzoic acid |
| Arsenic | Not more than 3 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 2 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
Download the full spec sheet (PDF)
Documents and sourcing
Droplet promise. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Data sheet, SDS and COA on request. Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot.
Questions buyers ask
What is benzoic acid used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Preservative in acidic foods and beverages. Suitability for your product and market is confirmed with the producer's specification.
Which grades can McBoeck supply?
Food grade to EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 210). FCC / USP grade is available on request for U.S. food and pharma use. Particle size and other grade details follow the producer's specification, on request.
Which documents come with benzoic acid?
Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request.
What does the sample spec sheet show?
Limits for assay, loss on drying, sulphated ash, chlorinated organic compounds, readily oxidisable substances, readily carbonisable substances, polycyclic acids, arsenic, lead and mercury, taken from EU Regulation 231/2012. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the lot COA are available on request.
How do I get a quote?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location through the quote form or at [email protected]. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Related preservatives
Calcium AcetateCalcium PropionateDimethyl Dicarbonate (DMDC)NatamycinAll preservatives
Need benzoic acid?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.