About Benzoates

Benzoate Formula Diagram (C6H5CO2)

Benzoates are salts or esters of benzoic acid. The systematic name for benzoate is benzenecarboxylate. Notable types of these compounds used in industry include sodium benzoate and potassium benzoates, which are both used widely as preservatives in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Organic benzoates are often used as organic solvents or as plasticizers. Additionally, some organic benzoates have useful properties as pharmaceuticals; notably, benzyl benzoate is an effective and inexpensive repellant and/or treatment for a variety of infectious insects, worms, and mites, and is used in both human and veterinary medicine.