Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate: First draft

This CICAD on benzoic acid and sodium benzoate was prepared by the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Aerosol Research, Hanover, Germany. The two compounds are being considered together because it is undissociated benzoic acid that is responsible for its antimicrobial activity. As benzoic acid itself is only slightly soluble in water, sodium benzoate - which, under acid conditions, converts to undissociated benzoic acid - is often used instead