- Origin. -Prepared by decomposing sodium carbonate with benzoic acid. It should contain not less than 99 per cent. of pure sodium benzoate, C6H5.COONa.

Description and Properties. - A white amorphous powder, odorless or having a faint odor of benzoin, and a sweetish, astringent taste. Soluble in 1.6 parts of water, in 43 parts of alcohol at 25 C. (77o F.), in 1.3 parts of boiling water, and in 20 parts of boiling alcohol. The aqueous solution is neutral to litmus-paper. It is effervescent, and should be kept in well-stoppered bottles.

Dose. - 5-30 grains (0.3-2 Gm.) [15 grains (1 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Allied and Unofficial Preparations.