DEFINITION Sodium benzoate contains not less than 99.0 per cent and not more than the equivalent of 100.5 per cent of sodium benzenecarboxylate, calculated with reference to the dried substance. CHARACTERS A white, crystalline or granular powder or flakes, slightly hygroscopic, freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol (90 per cent V/V). IDENTIFICATION A. It gives reactions (b) and (c) of benzoates (2.3.1). B. It gives reaction (a) of sodium (2.3.1).