Magnesium benzoate is a chemical compound formed from magnesium and benzoic acid. It is a chemical compound that consists of magnesium and benzoate ions. It is the magnesium salt of benzoic acid. It was once used to treat gout and arthritis. It is a synthesized compound that has various uses in industries like food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, with its constituent elements found naturally in different forms.
Properties
- Chemical formula: C14H10MgO4
- Molar mass: 266.53 g/mol
- Appearance: It typically appears as a white or off-white powder.
- Solubility: It is relatively soluble in water.
- Molecular Structure: The compound consists of two benzoate ions coordinated to a central magnesium ion.
- Melting Point: It has a relatively high melting point, though this can vary slightly based on its form and purity.
- Chemical Behavior: It may behave as a weak base and could potentially react with acids to form magnesium salts and benzoic acid.
- Stability: It is relatively stable under standard conditions, but it may degrade when exposed to extreme conditions such as high heat or acidic environments.
Occurrences
Magnesium benzoate is typically not found in nature as a distinct mineral. Instead, it is synthesized for use in various applications. However, the two components — magnesium and benzoic acid — occur naturally:
- Magnesium – Magnesium is a common element found in nature, primarily in the form of minerals such as magnesite (MgCO₃), dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂), and olivine (Mg₂SiO₄). It is also a major component of seawater.
- Benzoic Acid – Benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH) occurs naturally in plants, especially in fruits like cranberries, plums, and cherries. It is often found as the benzoate salt in nature or as a metabolite in many organisms.
Applications
- Food and Pharmaceutical Industry: It is used as a food preservative (often designated as E213), where it serves to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in various products. It can also be found in some pharmaceutical formulations, as it might act as a stabilizing agent or a source of magnesium in some medicines.
- Cosmetic and Personal Care Products: It is sometimes included in cosmetics or personal care products due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Industrial Use: It may be used in other industrial applications, such as in polymerization processes or in manufacturing processes where magnesium salts or benzoate compounds are required.
Uses
Magnesium benzoate is used in various applications, primarily as a preservative or in the food industry, though it can also be found in pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. It may have some uses in medicine, where magnesium compounds are included in supplements or other health-related products.
