Benzoic acid is a white, crystalline solid with a faint, pleasant odor. It is a simple aromatic carboxylic acid and is widely used as a food preservative, as well as in the synthesis of various organi...
Benzoic acid is a white, crystalline solid with a faint, pleasant odor. It is a simple aromatic carboxylic acid and is widely used as a food preservative, as well as in the synthesis of various organic compounds. It occurs naturally in many plants and serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of numerous secondary metabolites.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
As a food preservative, typically used in concentrations up to 0.1%. For medicinal uses, dosages vary widely and should be determined by a healthcare professional.
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Benzoic acid is produced commercially by the partial oxidation of toluene with oxygen in the presence of catalysts, typically cobalt or manganese naphthenates. It can also be obtained by the hydrolysis of benzotrichloride.
Use Type
BothPotential Benefits
Tea tree oil's antifungal properties disrupt fungal cell membranes, inhibiting growth and addressing conditions like athlete's foot, nail fungus, and dandruff. This action stems from the oil's ability to compromise the integrity of fungal cells.
Possible Side Effects
Benzene formation is the production of benzene, a carcinogen, from substances or their breakdown. This can occur when preservatives like benzoic or sorbic acid degrade in the presence of Vitamin C, metal ions, and heat/light, posing cancer risks.
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