Which sodium compound is the most popular additive to various items such as sauces, salad dressings and beverages for its preservative action?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Sodium benzoate
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is widely used as a food preservative.
 Its chemical formula is
 It is commonly added to acidic foods such as sauces, salad dressings, carbonated beverages, jams, fruit juices, and pickles to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
 Sodium benzoate is effective in acidic conditions (pH < 7), where it is converted to benzoic acid, which has strong antimicrobial properties.
 The compound is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used in appropriate amounts.
 
Information Booster:
Sodium Bicarbonate:
 Commonly known as baking soda, it is used primarily as a leavening agent in baking. It reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide, which helps dough rise.
 It is not typically used as a preservative in food items.
Sodium Fluoride:
 This compound is commonly used in dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses to prevent tooth decay.
 It is not used as a food preservative.
Sodium Hypochlorite:
 Known for its strong disinfectant and bleaching properties, it is commonly used in household bleach and for disinfecting water.
 It is not used as a food preservative due to its strong chemical nature and potential health risks if ingested.