Sodium benzoate

The substance sodium benzoate is more commonly known as the food additive (E211), which is classified by the group of preservatives. This is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. Externally, this compound is a white powder that does not smell, or can be with a slight smell of benzaldehyde.

The substance was first obtained in 1875 by an American researcher Hugo Fleck and was also suggested as a substitute for salicylic acid. Already in 1908, sodium benzoate in the US was admitted to use as a preservative. Its preservative effect is based on the fact that sodium benzoate is able to significantly reduce the activity of enzymes present in the cell, which ensure the flow of oxidation-reduction reactions, and, thereby, significantly reduce the effectiveness of the action of yeasts and mold fungi. Such an effect is characteristic of preservatives potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. There is a small content of this compound in natural foods. Among these you can specify apples, raisins, mustard and others.

The chemical formula of the substance is C6H5COONa, but it is an empirically derived equation.

As a food additive, registered under the article (E211), sodium benzoate is approved for use in many countries of the world, including Russia. Specialists at this time are actively discussing the harm to health of the combined substances, which include sodium benzoate and some dyes at the same time. The fact is that scientific data on the dangers that can be caused by the interaction of benzoate with dyes E110, E104 and others are given.

It is widely used in industrial production, especially in the food industry. Here it is used for conservation of meat and fish products, margarine, various types of mayonnaise and ketchup. If sodium benzoate is used in foods that contain vitamin C, interaction with it can lead to the formation of a dangerous benzene in high concentrations of carcinogen.

As a preservative, sodium benzoate is used in the manufacture of cosmetic products and pharmacological preparations. In the latter case, it is part of expectorants and other combination medicines of similar purpose.

It is common to use sodium benzoate and for technical needs. For example, in aviation, it is used as the main component of coatings to protect against the harmful effects of various parts of aircraft gliders manufactured by their aluminum. In addition, it is also used as a galvanic coating in various industries associated with this process.

The pyrotechnical purpose of a substance consists in its ability to simulate the sound of a rocket taking off.

In 1999, scientist-biologist P. Piper in one of his works suggested that benzoate, when exposed to yeast cells, can cause the so-called "oxidative stress". In the same place, it was announced that the substance has a mutagenic activity, which primarily extends to human DNA. Here it is necessary to make a reservation that Piper investigated not only how sodium benzoate works, but also other organic acids that are used as preservatives.

Later, the scientist stated that the harm that can be associated with the presence of benzoate is associated with the danger of the onset of Parkinson's disease.

In accordance with the requirements of WHO, set out in CICAD26 of 2000, various studies of the nature of the effect of sodium benzoate on humans showed the relative safety of this compound. Nevertheless, this document indicates that there may be cases of skin allergies (dermatitis), as well as causing an exacerbation of asthma.