benzoat
Benzoate refers to the salt or ester of benzoic acid. The term often denotes sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate (salts) as well as esters such as methyl benzoate and ethyl benzoate (used as flavorings and fragrances). In chemistry, benzoate can describe the benzoate anion, C6H5COO−, which forms when benzoic acid loses a proton.
Chemically, benzoates are derived from benzoic acid (C6H5COOH). The benzoate ion has a pKa around 4.2, meaning
Production and occurrence: Benzoates are produced by neutralizing benzoic acid with a base, or by esterification
Uses: The most common benzoate in food is sodium benzoate (E211), a preservative that inhibits molds and
Safety and regulation: Benzoates are generally recognized as safe when used within regulatory limits. In some