"Preservation Guardians" in the Food Industry​
In the food industry, benzoic acid and its sodium salts are commonly used preservatives. They act like loyal "guardians," effectively inhibiting the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, thus significantly extending the shelf life of food. Appropriate amounts of benzoic acid or sodium benzoate are often added to daily consumables such as soy sauce, vinegar, fruit juices, and some pickled foods. For example, adding sodium benzoate to soy sauce can prevent it from spoiling due to microbial growth, allowing us to enjoy it with confidence for an extended period. Moreover, the acidity of benzoic acid can regulate the acidity of food, contributing to the improvement of its taste and flavor. In some fruit juices, it not only serves as a preservative but also helps maintain the acidity balance, making the juice taste more delicious. However, it should be noted that excessive intake of benzoic acid may have adverse effects on human health. Therefore, strict regulations on its usage in food are imposed by various countries.
"Versatile Assistants" in the Medical Field​
Benzoic acid also plays a crucial role in the medical field. On the one hand, it is an important raw material for the preparation of pharmaceutical intermediates, and the synthesis of many drugs relies on benzoic acid. The benzoyl group in the molecular structure of certain drugs is derived from benzoic acid. On the other hand, benzoic acid itself has certain medicinal properties. When applied topically, it can inhibit dermatophytes and is often used in the treatment of skin diseases. For example, Benzoic Acid and Salicylic Acid Ointment is a preparation made from benzoic acid, salicylic acid, lanolin, and yellow petrolatum. In this ointment, the combination of benzoic acid and salicylic acid can treat fungal skin diseases in adults and has a good curative effect on superficial fungal infections such as tinea corporis, tinea manus, and tinea pedis. However, when using drugs containing benzoic acid, it is essential to follow medical advice and use them with caution.
"Skin-Care Experts" in Cosmetics​
Benzoic acid is also widely used in skin care products. It has various functions such as antibacterial, antiseptic, moisturizing, exfoliating, and whitening. Benzoic acid has strong antibacterial activity, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria and is used to treat skin bacterial infections. It can also inhibit Propionibacterium acnes infection, which is helpful in treating acne. Benzoic acid can denature keratin proteins, achieving the effects of moisturizing and locking in moisture, and improving skin dryness and peeling problems. As an alpha-hydroxy acid, benzoic acid has an exfoliating effect, which can make aged keratin shed and assist in improving skin problems such as large pores, acne, and blackheads. Benzoic acid also has a whitening effect, helping to improve symptoms such as dull skin and dark spots. However, when using skin care products containing benzoic acid, it is necessary to pay attention to its concentration and usage method to avoid irritating the skin.
"Key Raw Materials" in Chemical Production​
In chemical production, benzoic acid is a key raw material for the production of various chemical products. Through the esterification reaction of benzoic acid with alcohols, benzoate esters can be synthesized. These esters have a wide range of applications. Some can be used as solvents to dissolve other substances; some can be used as fragrances to add pleasant scents to products; and some can be used as plasticizers to improve the flexibility of plastic products. Benzoic acid is also used in the manufacture of dye intermediates, playing a crucial role in the synthesis of dyes of specific colors. In the field of polymer materials, benzoic acid can be used to prepare some polymers with special properties, contributing to the development of materials science.
Benzoic acid, the "versatile player" in our daily life, plays an indispensable role in many fields such as food preservation, medical treatment, skin care, and chemical production. Although it brings many conveniences to our lives, during use, we must strictly follow relevant regulations and instructions to ensure the safe and rational utilization of benzoic acid, enabling it to better serve our lives.