CHEMICAL formula NaC6H5CO2. It is the sodium salt of BENZOIC acid and exists in this FORM when dissolved in water. It can be produced by reacting sodium HYDROXIDE with benzoic acid. It is bacteriostatic and fungistatic under acidic conditions. It is most widely used in acidic foods such as salad dressings (vinegar), carbonated drinks (carbonic acid), jams and FRUIT juices (citric acid), pickles (vinegar), and condiments