Food & beverage
Preservative in acidic beverages, sauces and pickles.
Ingredients / Preservatives / Sodium Benzoate
Preservatives
Sodium Benzoate (E 211)
Sodium benzoate 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. | 532-32-1 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 211 |
| Synonyms | Sodium benzoate, Sodium salt of benzenecarboxylic acid, Sodium salt of phenylcarboxylic acid |
| Chemical formula | C7H5O2Na |
| Molecular weight | 144,11 |
| Description | A white, almost odourless, crystalline powder or granules |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 211) 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 sodium benzoate is
Chemical name: Sodium benzoate. Formula C7H5O2Na, molecular weight 144,11. A white, almost odourless, crystalline powder or granules. Freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 211.)
Applications by industry
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 211), 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 | Not less than 99 % of C7H5O2Na, after drying at 105 °C for four hours |
|---|---|
| Loss on drying | Not more than 1,5 % (105 °C, 4 hours) |
| 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 |
| Polycyclic acids | On fractional acidification of a (neutralised) solution of sodium benzoate, the first precipitate must not have a different melting range from that of benzoic acid |
| Chlorinated organic compounds | Not more than 0,06 % expressed as chloride, corresponding to 0,25 % expressed as monochlorobenzoic acid |
| Acidity or alkalinity | Neutralisation of 1 g of sodium benzoate, in the presence of phenolphthalein, must not require more than 0,25 ml of 0,1 N NaOH or 0,1 N HCl |
| 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 sodium benzoate used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Preservative in acidic beverages, sauces and pickles. 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 211). 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 sodium benzoate?
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, readily oxidisable substances, polycyclic acids, chlorinated organic compounds, acidity or alkalinity, 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
Benzoic AcidCalcium AcetateCalcium PropionateDimethyl Dicarbonate (DMDC)All preservatives
Need sodium benzoate?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.