Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E490 - Propylene glycol
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 386 products
Found in 0 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Awareness data is not available.
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 9 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 propylene glycol safe?
Yes—when used within regulatory limits in foods, propylene glycol is considered safe; the FDA classifies it as GRAS and EFSA set an acceptable daily intake of 25 mg/kg body weight per day.
What is propylene glycol used for?
In foods it acts as a solvent and carrier for flavors and colors, a humectant to retain moisture, and sometimes a stabilizer; it’s also used as a solvent in medicines and cosmetics.
Does propylene glycol cause cancer?
No—major health agencies do not classify propylene glycol as carcinogenic, and studies have not linked typical exposures to cancer.
Is propylene glycol antifreeze?
Yes, it’s used as a less‑toxic antifreeze/heat‑transfer fluid (e.g., RV or food‑industry systems), which is separate from its low‑level use in foods.
Is propylene glycol bad for you?
At normal food levels it isn’t considered harmful; very high intakes can cause irritation or metabolic effects, and people with kidney or liver disease and infants may be more sensitive.