Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E504I - Magnesium carbonate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 386 products
Found in 9 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 2 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.
What is magnesium carbonate good for?
As a food additive (E504(i)), it’s good for keeping powders free-flowing as an anti‑caking agent and serving as a carrier for flavors or colors; it can also help regulate acidity in some products.
Is magnesium carbonate good for you?
At the small amounts used in foods it’s considered safe (approved in the EU; GRAS in the U.S.) and contributes little nutritionally; high supplemental or medicinal doses of magnesium carbonate may cause laxative effects, especially in people with kidney issues.
How do you make magnesium carbonate?
It’s typically produced by precipitating it from magnesium salt solutions (e.g., magnesium chloride or sulfate) with sodium carbonate, or by carbonating magnesium oxide/hydroxide; it also occurs naturally as the mineral magnesite.
Is magnesium carbonate the same as magnesium citrate?
No—magnesium carbonate is the carbonate salt, while magnesium citrate is the citrate salt; citrate is more water‑soluble and often used as a supplement, whereas carbonate is less soluble and mainly used as an additive or antacid.
What is magnesium carbonate used for?
In foods it’s used as an anti‑caking agent and carrier (e.g., in table salt, spices, and powdered mixes), and sometimes as an acidity regulator or firming aid.