benzoate of soda
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A white, crystalline salt (sodium benzoate) used primarily as a chemical preservative in food and beverages to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, and also as a mild antiseptic.
Usage
This term is a specific chemical compound name. It is used in technical, industrial, and regulatory contexts related to food science, chemistry, and product safety. * It is commonly found on ingredient lists for processed foods and soft drinks. * In a chemical or manufacturing setting, it is referred to precisely by its compound name.
Examples
- In Food Labeling: "The ingredient list includes benzoate of soda to ensure freshness."
- In a Scientific Context: "The study examined the efficacy of benzoate of soda as an antimicrobial agent in acidic solutions."
- In Manufacturing: "This batch requires 0.1% benzoate of soda by weight as a preservative."
Advanced Usage
- Regulatory Status: Benzoate of soda is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by food safety authorities like the U.S. FDA when used within specified limits.
- Chemical Interaction: In the presence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), benzoate of soda can, under certain conditions, form benzene, a known carcinogen, which is a significant concern for product formulation.
Variants and Related Words
- Sodium Benzoate: The systematic and more commonly used IUPAC name for the same compound (C₇H₅NaO₂). This term is often preferred in modern scientific and commercial contexts.
- E211: Its designated number in the European food additive numbering system.
Synonyms
- Sodium Benzoate (Direct synonym, the modern technical name)
- Food Preservative 211 (Contextual synonym based on its function and code)
Notes on Meaning
This term refers exclusively to the specific chemical compound. It does not have idiomatic or figurative meanings. Its primary and sole meaning is its functional definition as a preservative and antiseptic agent.
Noun
- a white crystalline salt used as a food preservative and antiseptic