Benzoic acid

Benzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid that occurs naturally in various plants and is also produced synthetically. It is widely utilized as a food preservative (E210) and as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, primarily due to its potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Its mechanism of action involves penetrating microbial cell membranes in its undissociated form, leading to the acidification of the intracellular environment. This disruption inhibits key metabolic enzymes, such as phosphofructokinase, and interferes with amino acid absorption and protein synthesis, ultimately resulting in microbial death. Additionally, benzoic acid exhibits keratolytic properties, aiding in the shedding of dead skin cells, and possesses anti-inflammatory effects. It is metabolized in the liver through conjugation with glycine and subsequently excreted as hippuric acid.

Other names

BenzoateE210E-210E 210Benzenecarboxylic acidCarboxybenzeneDracylic acidPhenylmethanoic acidPhenylcarboxylic acidBenzoyl alcoholBenzoylic acidCarboxylbenzeneHydrogenphenic acidPhenoic acid