Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E493 - Sorbitan monolaurate

Overview

E210 - Benzoic acid

Benzoic acid (E210) is a preservative used to help keep acidic foods and drinks safe and fresh by slowing the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria. It occurs naturally in small amounts in some berries and fermented foods, and is also made for food use under strict purity standards.

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E493 - Sorbitan monolaurate

Sorbitan monolaurate (E493) is an emulsifier that helps oil and water mix and stay stable. It is made by joining sorbitan, a sugar alcohol derivative, with lauric acid from edible fats and oils. You’ll often see it in baked goods, spreads, and confectionery to improve texture and shelf life.

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Synonyms
E210
Benzoic acid
E493
Sorbitan monolaurate
Functions
preservative
emulsifierstabilizer
Origins
Plant
Synthetic
Plant
Animal
Synthetic
Products

Found in 386 products

Found in 1 products

Search rank & volume
#7533.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#396160 / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×12.42
over-aware

×4.73
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

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Popular questions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Is benzoic acid a strong acid?

    No—it's a weak acid, with a pKa of about 4.2.

  4. What is the melting point of benzoic acid?

    About 122–123 °C (251–253 °F).

  5. 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.

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  1. What is poe 80 sorbitan monolaurate?

    That name is inconsistent: 'POE 80' typically refers to polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, E433), not monolaurate; E493 is sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20) without ethoxylation. The ethoxylated monolaurate is polysorbate 20 (E432).

  2. What is polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate?

    It’s polysorbate 20 (E432), the ethoxylated form of sorbitan monolaurate; by contrast, E493 is the non‑ethoxylated sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20).

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