Made by the action of benzoic acid and ammonia water. In white crystals. Soluble in 10.5 parts of water; in 25 parts of alcohol.
Dose.—Same as benzoic acid.
SODII BENZOAS—SODIUM BENZOATE
Made by the action of a hot solution of sodium carbonate of benzoic acid. Occurs in a white powder. Soluble in 1.6 parts of water; in 43 parts of alcohol.
Dose.—Same as benzoic acid.
LITHII BENZOAS—LITHIUM BENZOATE
Made by decomposing lithium carbonate with benzoic acid. It should contain not less than 98.5 per cent of pure lithium benzoate, and should be kept in a well stopped bottle. Soluble in 3 parts of water, and in 13 parts of alcohol.
Dose.—Same as benzoic acid.
Actions.—Benzoin is a mild stimulant, expectorant and antiseptic; benzoic acid is quite powerful; it renders alkaline urine acid; it is used to dissolve phosphatic calculi.
Uses.—The tincture and compound tincture are used as stimulants and antiseptics for wounds and sores. Benzoic acid, when administered internally, acts mildly as an antiseptic to the bladder; useful in catarrh of the bladder. Benzoate of soda is used in bronchial catarrh. Benzoate of ammonia is used to dissolve phosphatic calculi. Lithium benzoate has been highly recommended as a remedy for rheumatic affections.