FlavScents AInsights Entry: Benzoic Acid (CAS: 65-85-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Benzoic Acid
• IUPAC Name: Benzoic acid
• CAS Number: 65-85-0
• FEMA Number: 2131
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.001; E210 (as a food additive)
• Molecular Formula: C7H6O2
• Molecular Weight: 122.12 g/mol

Benzoic acid is a simple aromatic carboxylic acid with a benzene ring bonded to a carboxyl group. Its structure contributes to its characteristic odor and its role as a preservative. The presence of the carboxyl group is crucial for its solubility and reactivity, influencing its sensory and preservative properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Benzoic acid is characterized by a faint, pleasant, balsamic odor. It is not typically used for its flavor but rather for its preservative qualities. The odor intensity is mild, and it does not significantly contribute to the flavor profile of products in which it is used. Its sensory role is more aligned with providing background realism rather than being an impact note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Benzoic acid naturally occurs in many plants and is a constituent of gum benzoin, cranberries, and other berries. It can also form through the oxidation of toluene. In the context of "natural flavor" designation, benzoic acid can be considered natural if derived from natural sources, although synthetic production is common for commercial use.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Benzoic acid is primarily used as a preservative in flavor systems rather than for its flavor. It is effective in acidic foods and beverages, where it inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria. Typical use levels in food range from 150 to 2000 ppm, depending on the product and regulatory limits. It is stable under heat and acidic conditions but can degrade under alkaline conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, benzoic acid is used for its fixative properties, helping to stabilize volatile compounds. It is found in various fragrance families, including balsamic and floral compositions. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often less than 1%, due to its mild odor and primary role as a stabilizer rather than a scent contributor.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for use as a flavoring agent and preservative.
• European Union: Approved as a food additive (E210) under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved in Japan and China as a food preservative; specific limits may vary.
• Latin America: Generally accepted as a preservative, with specific regulations in countries like Brazil.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Benzoic acid is considered safe for use in food and cosmetics at regulated levels.

• Oral Exposure: The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is set at 0-5 mg/kg body weight by JECFA.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating at typical use levels in cosmetics; however, it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, but occupational exposure should be minimized.

Risk profiles are similar for food and fragrance applications, with safety ensured through adherence to regulatory limits.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Benzoic acid is valued for its preservative efficacy, especially in acidic environments. It synergizes well with sorbic acid and other preservatives. A common pitfall is its reduced effectiveness in alkaline conditions. It is often under-used in formulations where natural preservation is desired, despite its natural occurrence.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on benzoic acid is well-established, with comprehensive regulatory and safety evaluations. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in natural versus synthetic sourcing. No significant data gaps are noted, but ongoing monitoring of regulatory changes is advised.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• Section 5a is not applicable as benzoic acid is a single compound

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-02-11 11:50:22 GMT (p2)