Food Preservation
Benzoic acid is used as a food preservative to help inhibit the growth of yeasts, molds, and certain bacteria, particularly in acidic foods and beverages such as fruit juices, soft drinks, sauces, and condiments. It is also commonly used in the form of sodium benzoate, which has higher water solubility and is easier to incorporate into aqueous food products.
Salts of benzoic acid are used as food preservatives. Benzoic acid is an important precursor for the industrial synthesis of many other organic substances.
Benzoic acid's salt (sodium benzoate) is commonly used as a pH adjustor and preservative in food, preventing the growth of microbes to keep food safe.