* Structure: C6H5CO2Na is the chemical formula for sodium benzoate. It consists of a benzene ring (C6H5), a carboxylate group (-CO2-), and a sodium ion (Na+). The carboxylate group is the key to its polarity.

* Polarity of Carboxylate Group: The carboxylate group (-COO-) has a negatively charged oxygen atom and a positively charged carbon atom due to the unequal sharing of electrons. This creates a dipole moment, making the carboxylate group polar.

* Ionic Bond: The sodium ion (Na+) is strongly attracted to the negatively charged oxygen atom of the carboxylate group, forming an ionic bond. This further contributes to the overall polarity of the molecule.

Overall: The presence of the polar carboxylate group and the ionic bond with sodium make sodium benzoate a polar molecule.