Sodium Benzoate

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Cat Number

PIE-0121

CAS Number

532-32-1

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CAS Number

532-32-1

EINECS

208-534-8

Storage

Store at room temperature

Synonyms

Sobenate; Antimol; Benzoic acid, sodium salt; sodium;benzoate; Benzoate sodium; Benzoate of soda

Molecular Formula

C7H5NaO2

Molecular Weight

144.1

Smiles

C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)[O-].[Na+]

Appearance

White or colourless crystalline powder

Melting Point

>300°C (lit.)

Boiling Point

249.3°C at 760 mmHg

Relative Density

1.44

General Description

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, with the chemical formula C₇H₅NaO₂. It is a white crystalline powder, readily soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 144.1 Da. The molecule is a weak acid salt with a benzoate anion and a sodium cation. It is a common food preservative and a pharmaceutical ingredient.

Mechanism of Action

Sodium benzoate acts as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi through the disruption of the cell membrane and the inhibition of metabolic enzymes. In the body, it conjugates with glycine in the liver to form hippuric acid, which is excreted in the urine, providing a pathway for nitrogen removal in urea cycle disorders.

Application

Sodium benzoate is indicated as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of hyperammonemia in patients with urea cycle disorders, such as ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. It is also used as a preservative in pharmaceutical and food products. The drug is effective in reducing serum ammonia levels and preventing neurological damage.

Sodium benzoate (NaB) induced TGF‑β mRNA and protein in splenocytes via STAT6 activation, as shown by STAT6 binding to the TGF‑β promoter and abrogation by STAT6 siRNA. Neutralizing TGF‑β antibodies blocked NaB‑mediated protection of regulatory T cells and amelioration of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. NaB upregulates TGF‑β through STAT6, identifying a new mechanism that may benefit multiple sclerosis patients.

Fig. 1 Enrichment of Tregs by NaB in PLP-primed splenocytes. (Kundu M, et al., 2016)

References

Kundu M, et al. Sodium Benzoate, a Food Additive and a Metabolite of Cinnamon, Enriches Regulatory T Cells via STAT6-Mediated Upregulation of TGF-β. J Immunol. 2016;197(8):3099-3110.

In an 8-week randomized trial of 117 elderly patients with major depressive disorder, sodium benzoate (250-1500 mg/d) and sertraline (25-150 mg/d) similarly reduced clinician-rated Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. However, only sodium benzoate significantly improved Perceived Stress Scale scores and cognitive function versus placebo. Sertraline reduced self-report Geriatric Depression Scale scores, while benzoate showed better safety, fewer dropouts, and no lipid effects. Benzoate may benefit perceived stress and cognition in late-life depression.

Fig. 2 Flow diagram and disposition of the 3 treatment groups. (Lin CH, et al., 2022)

References

Lin CH, et al. Effects of Sodium Benzoate, a D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitor, on Perceived Stress and Cognitive Function Among Patients With Late-Life Depression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sertraline- and Placebo-Controlled Trial. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2022;25(7):545-555.

Does Sodium Benzoate require protection from moisture during long-term storage?

It is slightly hygroscopic but generally stable. However, under high humidity, it may absorb moisture and clump. Store in tightly sealed containers.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Sodium Benzoate?

Store at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Avoid excessive heat above 30°C, which can cause caking but no significant chemical degradation.

Is Sodium Benzoate stable in solution for pharmaceutical and food use?

Aqueous solutions are stable when properly preserved.

How is the impurity benzoic acid (free acid) monitored?

Benzoic acid content is quantified using a validated HPLC or titration method, ensuring it remains within pharmacopoeial specifications.