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Ammonium benzoate is a chemical substance used in a wide variety of products. It plays an important role in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the properties and applications of ammonium benzoate.

The Structure and Properties of Ammonium Benzoate

Ammonium benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid and ammonium. Its chemical formula is (NH4)C6H5COO. This substance exists as a white, crystalline powder at room temperature and is readily soluble in water. Ammonium benzoate has a slightly sour taste and a faint, characteristic odor.

The most important properties of ammonium benzoate include:

• Antimicrobial Effect: Ammonium benzoate inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Therefore, it is used as a preservative.
• pH Buffer Function: In aqueous solution, ammonium benzoate acts as a buffer and stabilizes the pH value.
• Odor and Taste Neutrality: The substance itself has only a slight inherent odor and taste, allowing it to be added to foods without affecting their sensory properties.
• Thermal Stability: Ammonium benzoate is stable up to temperatures of about 200°C and only decomposes at higher temperatures.

Applications in the Food Industry

In the food industry, ammonium benzoate is primarily significant as a preservative. It is used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds in foods, thereby extending their shelf life.

Typical application areas in foods are:

• Beverages (juices, soft drinks, wines)
• Delicatessen salads and dressings
• Spreads and jams
• Dairy products like yogurt and quark
• Baked goods
• Frozen foods

Ammonium benzoate is well-suited as a preservative because it is particularly effective in the pH ranges typical for foods, between 3 and 6. Additionally, it has the advantage of being neutral in taste and odor, not impairing the sensory properties of the foods.

Dosage and Legal Regulations

In the EU, the use of ammonium benzoate in foods is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Accordingly, it may only be used in specific food categories and in limited quantities. The permissible maximum level is 500 mg/kg in most cases. Only in some beverages are up to 600 mg/kg allowed.

The exact dosage depends on the specific food and storage conditions. In practice, ammonium benzoate is usually used in concentrations between 100 and 300 mg/kg. Higher amounts are generally not necessary, as the antimicrobial effect occurs even at low doses.

Applications in the Pharmaceutical Industry

In addition to the food industry, ammonium benzoate is also used in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, it is primarily employed as an excipient in various drug formulations.

The most important pharmaceutical applications include:

• Solubilizing agent in liquid dosage forms
• pH buffer in injection solutions
• Preservative in eye drops and ointments
• Stabilizer in creams and ointments

As a solubilizing agent, ammonium benzoate enables the preparation of homogeneous, clear solutions of poorly soluble active ingredients. In injection solutions, it serves to maintain the pH within the physiological range. In ophthalmic preparations and skin creams, it prevents the growth of microorganisms, thereby contributing to product stability.

The pharmaceutical industry also benefits from the favorable properties of ammonium benzoate: it is well-tolerated, neutral in taste and odor, and thermally stable. Furthermore, it is approved as an excipient in medicines in many countries.

Safety and Harmlessness

Ammonium benzoate is considered safe and harmless when used in the prescribed amounts. It is neither carcinogenic nor reproductively toxic. Allergic reactions also occur only very rarely.

Only in very high doses can ammonium benzoate cause stomach discomfort. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the legally established maximum levels. When used correctly, the substance poses no health risk to consumers.

Conclusion

Ammonium benzoate is a versatile chemical substance with important functions in the food and pharmaceutical industries. As a preservative, it extends the shelf life of foods without affecting their taste or odor. In medicines, it serves as an excipient for producing stable formulations.

Thanks to its antimicrobial effect, pH buffer function, and harmlessness at correct dosages, ammonium benzoate has become indispensable in the modern production of foods and medicines. It contributes significantly to the quality and safety of these products.