benzoate

[ ben-zoh-eyt, -it ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a salt or ester of benzoic acid.

benzoate

/ -ɪt; ˈbɛnzəʊˌeɪt /

noun

1. any salt or ester of benzoic acid, containing the group C 6 H 5 COO– or the ion C 6 H 5 COO ^– Systematic namebenzenecarboxylate

benzoate

/ bĕn′zō-āt′ /

1. A salt or ester of benzoic acid, having the general formula C 6 H 5 COOR, where R is an element or group that has replaced the hydrogen in the carboxyl group (COOH) of benzoic acid. In salts of benzoic acid, R is a metal, while in esters of benzoic acid, R is another radical, such as methyl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzoate¹

First recorded in 1800–10; benzo- + -ate ²

Example Sentences

Common additives like sugar, salt, vinegar and alcohol have been used as preservatives for centuries, but modern-day food labels now reveal more unfamiliar ingredients such as sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate.

From Science Daily

In the realm of additives, substances like tartrazine and sodium benzoate emerge as potential instigators of urticaria and asthma.

From Salon

Here’s the prettiest blue brew of carbonated water, sugar and sodium benzoate that you’ll ever see.

From Los Angeles Times

The FDA also said an antifungal preservative called sodium benzoate may form benzene under certain circumstances.

From Seattle Times

But were Wiley’s tests of additives like saccharine and sodium benzoate — whose health effects still remain controversial — sound science or pseudoscience?

From New York Times