Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E921 - L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate

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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.

E921 - L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate

L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate (E921) is an amino-acid-based flour treatment agent. Bakers use it to make dough softer and easier to handle, especially in high-speed bread and bun lines. It appears on labels as E921 or by its full name.

Synonyms

E210

Benzoic acid

E921

L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate

Functions

preservative

flour treatment agent

Origins

Products

Found in 386 products

Found in 2 products

Search rank & volume

#7533.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#344350 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×12.42

over-aware

×8.02

over-aware

Search volume over time

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.