Changes

[[File:Sodium Benzoate.png|thumbnail]]

[[File:Sodium Benzoate.png|thumbnail]]

'''Sodium Benzoate''' (C₇H₅NaO₂) is a chemical often added to foods to help slow spoilage.  It is used in foods, drinks (especially carbonated soft drinks), cosmetics, and medicines.  It is also sometimes used as a medication itself, not just a preservative for one. It is the product of a reaction between [[sodium hydroxide]] with benzoic acid.

'''Sodium Benzoate''' (C₇H₅NaO₂) is a chemical which is usually in the form of an odorless, colorless powder.  It is the product of a reaction between [[sodium hydroxide]] with benzoic acid.

==Uses==

==Uses==

===Preservative===

===Preservative===

This chemical is used primarily to help preserve food for extended periods of time.  Since most [[bacteria]] and [[fungi]] (mold) find sodium benzoate toxic, they will tend not to grow on treated food.  This preservative is most effective in foods which are acidic (have a pH of 4.5 or less).<ref name="spafromscratch.com">http://www.spafromscratch.com/sodium-benzoate-dangers</ref>

This chemical is used primarily to help preserve food, drinks (especially carbonated soft drinks), cosmetics, and medicines for extended periods of time.  Since most [[bacteria]] and [[fungi]] (mold) find sodium benzoate toxic, they will tend not to grow on treated food.  This preservative is most effective in foods which are acidic (have a pH of 4.5 or less).<ref name="spafromscratch.com">http://www.spafromscratch.com/sodium-benzoate-dangers</ref>

===Medication===

===Medication===