Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E301 - Sodium ascorbate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 386 products
Found in 214 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is benzoic acid soluble in water?
Only sparingly—about 3 g per liter at room temperature; its solubility increases in hot water and it dissolves readily in many organic solvents.
Is benzoic acid polar?
It has a polar carboxyl group but a nonpolar aromatic ring, so overall it’s only weakly polar; its benzoate salt is much more polar and water‑soluble.
Is benzoic acid a strong acid?
No—it's a weak acid, with a pKa of about 4.2.
What is the melting point of benzoic acid?
About 122–123 °C (251–253 °F).
Is benzoic acid bad for you?
At approved food levels it’s considered safe, with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight/day; some people may experience irritation or hypersensitivity, and benzene formation in certain acidic drinks is monitored and kept very low.
Is sodium ascorbate vitamin c?
Yes—sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and provides vitamin C, with no proven bioavailability advantage over other forms; it also contributes some sodium.
What is sodium ascorbate used for?
As a food additive (E301) it acts as an antioxidant and acidity regulator, helping prevent oxidation and maintain color (e.g., in meats and beverages), and it’s also used to fortify foods or as a vitamin C supplement.
How to make sodium ascorbate?
It’s produced by neutralizing L-ascorbic acid with a sodium base (commonly sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate) and then drying; food-grade production is controlled for purity and is not recommended to replicate at home.
How to take sodium ascorbate?
Follow the product label, typically taken with water or food; don’t exceed about 2,000 mg/day of vitamin C from all sources unless advised, and account for the added sodium.
Is sodium ascorbate safe?
Yes—E301 is approved in the EU, USA, and Australia/New Zealand and is generally recognized as safe at typical food and supplement levels; high intakes may cause gastrointestinal upset, increase sodium intake, and may not suit people prone to kidney stones or on sodium-restricted diets.