Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of benzoic acid (BA) as a preservative and additive with a particular focus on its utilization in the pharmaceutical sector, its lifespan, and its environmental impact. The key aspects of this review offer significant additional perspectives on the relevant subject matter. The review suggests a thorough and organized analysis, likely incorporating multiple studies and sources, to provide a complete understanding of the subject. It suggests an in-depth study of BA's involvement and evolution in the pharmaceutical sector, spanning from the early stages of production to the final phases. It highlights the long-standing use of BA in pharmaceuticals, despite its associated toxicity issues. The review emphasizes its role as a versatile compound in the synthesis of more complex medicinal products, such as benzoyl peroxide. The review provides a lifecycle analysis through a comprehensive exploration of BA's lifecycle, from manufacturing processes to its various applications and eventual disposal. This involves evaluating its environmental consequences and emphasizing the significance of sustainability in its utilization. In terms of environmental considerations, the review offers a critical evaluation of how BA affects the environment; under certain conditions, it can form other compounds that become persistent organic pollutants. The review aims to provide insights and make a significant contribution to understanding the implications of BA in pharmaceuticals and its environmental footprint. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive assessment that not only addresses the scientific and treatment aspects of BA but also evaluates the larger environmental consequences, making it relevant to ecology and environment experts.