noun
- a salt or ester of benzoic acid, commonly used as a food preservative
Usage: chemistry; food science
Examples
- Sodium benzoate is added to many soft drinks to prevent bacterial growth.
- The food label listed potassium benzoate as a preservative.
- Benzoate compounds are widely used in the cosmetics industry.
- The benzoate ion is formed when benzoic acid loses a proton.
- Many fruit juices contain benzoate to extend shelf life.