BENZOATE OF SODA, Sodium Benzoate

a salt made by adding benzoic acid to a hot solution of carbonate of sodium--the sodium benzoate appears on cooling in the form of crystals. Commercially, it is a white powder, slightly sweet and astringent in flavor. It is used to a considerable extent as a food preservative.

Commercial Benzoic acid is manufactured chiefly from coal tar and by synthesis, also to a certain extent from rosins, especially that of the Tolu and other South American trees and Benzoin, exuded from the bark of an East Indian tree. It is found naturally in cranberries and some other fruits.