Benzoic Acid

Benzoic Acid appears as a crystalline solid, is colourless and has a distinct aroma. It has a chemical formulation of C7H6O2. Benzoic Acid is widely used in the preservation of foods and also as a precursor to synthesis of many organic substances.

Benzoic Acid is used in the manufacture of other chemicals such as Benzoyl Chloride, Phenol and Benzoate plasticizers. In industry, Benzoic Acid is used as an activator in the polymerization of rubbers. Benzoic Acid is added to anti-freeze coolants for engines and as a corrosion inhibitor.

The salts of Benzoic Acid and Benzoic Acid itself are used to preserve foodstuffs including fruit juices and fizzy drinks. Benzoic Acid is represented when used in foodstuffs as E-numbers, and includes E210, E211, E212 and E213, all of which refer to Benzoic Acid. In the food industry, Sodium Benzoate, which is a Sodium Salt from Benzoic Acid, is one of the most widely used anti-microbial preservatives at a concentration of 0.1% or less. Benzoate Salts are used rather than Benzoic Acid as the salts are 200 times more soluble in water than Benzoic Acid.

Benzoic Acid is also used for its antiseptic properties. It has germicidal properties and is used for the treatment of fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Benzoic Acid is an active ingredient in Friar's Balsam, an old-fashioned remedy still used as a decongestant and as an antiseptic treatment. A patient suffering from nasal congestion would add few drops of Friar's Balsam to a bowl of hot water, and then inhale the vapours whilst hold the head above the bowl and covering both the head and bowl with a towel. This ensured that the vapours released were inhaled rather than allowed to escape into the room. Friar's Balsam has a very distinctive aroma.

Friar's Balsam can also be known as Tincture of Benzoin or Compound Tincture of Benzoin which is sometimes abbreviated to CBT. CBT can be used directly on the skin to help protect it and also to help dressings adhere to a wound. When a bone is fractured, Compound Tincture of Benzoin is often sprayed directly onto the skin before a plaster cast is fitted, as it helps to reduce itchiness and can prevent the cast from sticking to the skin.

Benzoic Acid is also used in the pharmaceutical industry, both as a lubricant in the manufacture of a wide range of tablets and in medications.