lithium benzoate

Full Material List

N/A

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	553-54-8
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	209-042-6
Synonyms	benzoic acid, lithium salt benzoic acid, lithium salt (1:1) lithium;benzoate
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	N/A
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	benzoic acid, lithium salt
FDA UNII	R9Z042Z19E
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	N/A
Molecular Weight	128.05625
Molecular Formula	C7 H5 Li O2

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	N/A
Assay	95.00 to 100.00
Specific Gravity	N/A
Lbs/Gal (est)	N/A
Refractive Index	N/A
Melting Point	N/A
Boiling Point	N/A
Flash Point	N/A
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	N/A
Vapor Density	N/A
logP (o/w)	N/A
Soluble In	water, 1e+006 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)
Occurrence	not found in nature

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	Odor and/or flavor descriptions from others (if found).
Odor	N/A
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

FlavScents AInsights Entry for Lithium Benzoate (CAS: 553-54-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Common Name(s): Lithium benzoate
IUPAC Name: Lithium benzoate
CAS Number: 553-54-8
FEMA Number: Not applicable
Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
Molecular Formula: C7H5LiO2
Molecular Weight: 128.06 g/mol
Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Lithium benzoate is a salt formed from benzoic acid and lithium. The benzoate ion is known for its preservative properties, while lithium does not contribute to odor. The compound's structure does not inherently suggest a significant odor profile, aligning with its primary use in non-sensory applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Lithium benzoate itself is not typically associated with a distinct odor or flavor profile. It is primarily used for its functional properties rather than sensory characteristics.
Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found. The compound is not typically used for its sensory attributes.
Typical Sensory Role: Not applicable as an impact note, background realism, or modifier due to its lack of sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Known Natural Sources: Lithium benzoate is not naturally occurring. It is synthesized through the neutralization of benzoic acid with lithium hydroxide.
Formation Pathways: The compound is formed via a straightforward acid-base reaction between benzoic acid and lithium hydroxide.
Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Lithium benzoate does not qualify as a natural flavor or fragrance due to its synthetic origin.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Flavor Categories and Applications: Lithium benzoate is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its lack of sensory properties.
Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It may be used as a preservative rather than a flavoring agent.
Typical Use Levels: Data not found. Use levels would be determined by its preservative function rather than flavor contribution.
Stability Considerations: Lithium benzoate is stable under typical storage conditions and is resistant to heat and pH variations, making it suitable for use as a preservative.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Fragrance Families and Product Types: Not applicable as lithium benzoate is not used for its fragrance properties.
Functional Role: It does not serve as a trace realism, modifier, or impact note in fragrance formulations.
Typical Concentration Ranges: Not applicable due to its non-use in fragrance applications.
Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Not relevant as it does not contribute to fragrance profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Lithium benzoate is not listed as GRAS for flavor use by FEMA.
European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not listed under flavoring regulations.
United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence noted.
Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.
Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI, TTC, or MSDI. Lithium compounds can have systemic effects, but specific data for lithium benzoate is limited.
Dermal Exposure: Not typically relevant as it is not used in topical applications.
Inhalation Exposure: Not applicable due to its non-volatile nature and lack of use in inhalation products.
Risk Profiles: The risk profile for lithium benzoate is more relevant to its preservative use rather than flavor or fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Why This Material is Valuable: Primarily valued for its preservative properties rather than sensory contributions.
Typical Synergies: May be used in conjunction with other preservatives to enhance shelf life.
Common Formulation Pitfalls: Over-reliance on lithium benzoate for sensory impact is a misconception; it should be used for preservation.
Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Overuse may occur when misunderstood as a flavor or fragrance component.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Well-Established Data: The chemical identity and preservative function are well-documented.
Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use as a preservative is common but not always explicitly documented in flavor or fragrance contexts.
Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific sensory data and comprehensive regulatory status across all regions are limited.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

All required sections 1–9 are present
"Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
Flavor section includes ppm ranges: Not applicable due to non-sensory use
Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
If complex natural material: Not applicable as lithium benzoate is a single compound

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-04-28 18:45:20 GMT (p2)

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