2916.31.11.70 - Sodium benzoate

This classification covers salts of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid, and its salts are formed when the acidic hydrogen atom of the carboxyl group is replaced by a metal cation or ammonium. These salts are typically crystalline solids and are often water-soluble. Common uses include as preservatives in food and beverages, as intermediates in chemical synthesis, and in pharmaceutical preparations.

Within the broader category of "Benzoic acid, its salts and esters," this specific subdivision differentiates between the free acid, its salts, and its esters. While 2916.31.11.05 specifically classifies benzoic acid itself, this category is dedicated to the ionic compounds formed from benzoic acid. The sibling category 2916.31.11.90 would encompass any other salts of benzoic acid not specifically enumerated.

As this node represents a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Classification to this level is determined by the chemical identity of the substance as a salt of benzoic acid. For instance, sodium benzoate, a common example, falls directly under this code due to its chemical composition and function as a salt of benzoic acid.