Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, widely used as a food preservative and a pickling agent. It appears as a white crystalline chemical with the formula C6H5COONa. Sodium benzoate is commonly produced by the neutralization of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with benzoic acid (C6H5COOH). Sodium benzoate is a preservative added to some sodas, packaged foods, and personal care products to prolong their shelf life