Overview

From Process Stream to Premium Grade

Benzoic acid (BA) is produced at IGPL as a coproduct of the phthalic anhydride manufacturing process. During the partial oxidation of o-xylene, benzoic acid forms in the process gas and is extracted and purified through a dedicated BA recovery system at the Taloja campus.

IGPL's BA meets or exceeds commercial grade specifications across purity, colour, and trace element requirements. It is supplied as white crystalline flakes and is used in the production of sodium benzoate (food preservative), benzoyl chloride, and as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical and specialty synthesis.

As a coproduct tightly linked to PA production volumes, IGPL's BA supply is disciplined and predictable — making it a reliable source for formulators and chemical manufacturers who require consistent quality and scheduling.

At a Glance

Purity ≥99.5%

Form White crystalline flakes

Recovery Unit 1 dedicated BA system

Source PA coproduct

CAS

65-85-0

Formula

C₇H₆O₂

Mol. Wt.

122.12

Applications

Where Benzoic Acid Is Used

Sodium Benzoate

The largest single use. Conversion to sodium benzoate for use as a food and beverage preservative (E211). Widely used in soft drinks, fruit juices, and condiments.

Benzoyl Chloride

Key chemical intermediate used in the synthesis of benzaldehyde, dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceutical compounds.

Benzaldehyde

Via decarbonylation or Cannizzaro reaction — used in flavours, fragrances, and fine chemical synthesis for food and cosmetic industries.

Phenol Synthesis

Decarboxylation route to phenol — an alternative pathway for specialty phenol production used in resins and polymer manufacture.

Plasticizers

Benzoate esters used as plasticizers and coalescing agents for paints, coatings, and flexible polymer formulations.

Pharmaceutical Intermediates

Used in the synthesis of benzocaine, phenobarbital, and other active pharmaceutical ingredients requiring high-purity aromatic acid precursors.

IGPL laboratory quality control and BA recovery process at Taloja

Production

Recovered from the PA Oxidation Process

The catalytic vapour-phase oxidation of o-xylene to phthalic anhydride produces benzoic acid as a process byproduct. At IGPL, one dedicated BA recovery system captures, purifies, and grades this material to commercial specification.

The BA recovery unit separates the benzoic acid fraction from the PA process condensate, applying fractional distillation and crystallisation steps to achieve the consistent purity and low colour specifications required for food and pharmaceutical downstream uses.

Each production batch is tested by the QC laboratory before release, with full traceability from plant to dispatch. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is provided with every shipment.

BA Recovery Process

1

PA Oxidation

BA generated in process condensate stream

2

BA Recovery Unit

Fractional distillation and crystallisation

3

QC Release

≥99.5% white crystalline flakes + CoA

Specifications

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification	Test Method
Purity	≥ 99.5%	GC / Titration
Colour (APHA, molten)	≤ 10	APHA
Melting Point	121–123 °C	DSC
Sulphated Ash	≤ 0.05%	Gravimetric
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 10 ppm	ICP-OES
Moisture	≤ 0.1%	Karl Fischer
Appearance	White crystalline flakes	Visual

Full TDS and SDS available on request. Specifications are indicative and subject to revision. Always request the current TDS prior to formulation.

IGPL provides batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA) with every shipment. Benzoic acid purity and trace impurity levels are tested per batch to meet customer specifications. For supplier qualification documentation, contact our technical team.

Why IGPL

Why Source BA from IGPL

Integrated Source

BA produced on the same campus as India's largest PA operation. Supply tied to continuous, 365-day production.

Food-Grade Capable

Purity and trace element specifications aligned with the requirements of sodium benzoate converters for food applications.

Certified Quality

CoA provided with every shipment. Third-party audits available on request. Full batch traceability from plant to dispatch.

Logistics Advantage

Taloja MIDC, 50 km from JNPT — supports both domestic road delivery and export container logistics.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

IGPL's BA meets the purity and trace element specifications typically required for conversion to food-grade sodium benzoate. Customers should request the current TDS and verify against their specific production and regulatory requirements.

Benzoic acid is supplied as white crystalline flakes in 25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, or bulk. Custom packaging arrangements are available for large-volume customers.

Yes. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming purity, colour, moisture, and trace element results is provided with every BA shipment.

Benzoic acid has a shelf life of 24 months when stored in a cool, dry environment in sealed packaging. It should be kept away from moisture and strong oxidising agents.

Yes. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Technical Data Sheets (TDS) are available on request from the commercial team prior to any order commitment.

Benzoic Acid