benzoate

American  

[ben-zoh-eyt, -it] / ˈbɛn zoʊˌeɪt, -ɪt /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a salt or ester of benzoic acid.

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benzoate British  

/ -ɪt, ˈbɛnzəʊˌeɪt /

noun

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

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benzoate Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of benzoate

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 • Feb. 2, 2024

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

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2023

An online search found that many brand-name body washes and liquid hand soaps list sodium benzoate as an ingredient.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2021

The temperature then rises rapidly to the boiling-point of benzyl benzoate, when the receivers are changed.

From Organic Syntheses by Conant, James Bryant