Benzoate, also known as benzoic acid or benzenecarboxylate, is a member of the class of compounds known as benzoic acids. Benzoic acids are organic Compounds containing a benzene ring which bears at least one carboxyl group. Benzoate is soluble (in water) and a weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). Benzoate can be found in a number of food items such as malus (crab apple), broccoli, pepper (c. annuum), and corn salad, which makes benzoate a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Benzoic acid , C7H6O2 (or C6H5COOH), is a colorless crystalline solid and a simple aromatic carboxylic acid. The name is derived from gum benzoin, which was for a long time its only known source. Benzoic acid occurs naturally in many plants and serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites. Salts of benzoic acid are used as food preservatives and benzoic acid is an important precursor for the industrial synthesis of many other organic substances. The salts and esters of benzoic acid are known as benzoates .
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as benzoic acids. These are organic Compounds containing a benzene ring which bears at least one carboxyl group.
