Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid with the chemical formula CH3CH=CH−CH=CH−CO2K. It preserves food by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. It’s widely used in the food industry to extend shelf life and maintain product quality.
| IUPAC Name | Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate |
| Molecular Formula | C6H7O2K |
| CAS Number | 590-00-1 |
| Synonyms | Sorbic acid potassium salt, E202, 2,4-Hexadienoic acid potassium salt |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C6H8O2.K/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8;/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8);/q;+1/p-1 |
Potassium Sorbate Properties
Potassium Sorbate Formula
The formula for sorbic acid potassium salt is K(C6H7O2). It consists of a potassium ion (K+) and the sorbate anion (C6H7O2-). The potassium ion is positively charged, while the sorbate anion is negatively charged.
Potassium Sorbate Molar Mass
The molar mass of sorbic acid potassium salt is 150.22 g/mol. It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all the elements in its formula. Potassium contributes to the majority of the molar mass, while carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen also make up smaller portions.
Potassium Sorbate Boiling Point
Sorbic acid potassium salt has a relatively high boiling point of approximately 270°C (518°F). This means that it requires a significant amount of heat to convert it from a liquid to a gas phase. The boiling point is an important property for determining the stability and processing conditions of sorbic acid potassium salt.
Potassium Sorbate Melting Point
The melting point of sorbic acid potassium salt is around 270°C (518°F). This temperature indicates the point at which the solid crystals of sorbic acid potassium salt transition into a liquid state. It is essential to consider the melting point during the production and storage of sorbic acid potassium salt-containing products.
Potassium Sorbate Density g/mL
The density of sorbic acid potassium salt is approximately 1.36 g/mL. This value represents the mass of the substance per unit volume. The density can provide insights into the concentration and consistency of sorbic acid potassium salt solutions, which is crucial for various applications in the food and beverage industry.
Potassium Sorbate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of sorbic acid potassium salt is 150.22 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in its chemical formula. The molecular weight is used to determine the amount of sorbic acid potassium salt needed in formulations and to calculate concentrations in scientific experiments.
Potassium Sorbate Structure
The structure of sorbic acid potassium salt consists of a six-carbon chain with a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms. It also contains a carboxyl group (COOH) and a potassium ion (K+). This chemical structure is responsible for its antimicrobial properties and ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
Potassium Sorbate Solubility
Sorbic acid potassium salt is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 58 g/100 mL at 25°C (77°F). This high solubility allows it to easily dissolve and distribute in aqueous solutions. The solubility of sorbic acid potassium salt is a key factor in its effectiveness as a preservative in various liquid-based products.
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Specific Gravity | 1.363 g/cm3 |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 150.22 g/mol |
| Density | 1.36 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 270°C (518°F) |
| Boiling Point | ~270°C (~518°F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | 58 g/100 mL at 25°C (77°F) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, propylene glycol and ethanol. |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | 4.76 |
| pH | 7 (neutral) |
Potassium Sorbate Safety and Hazards
Sorbic acid potassium salt is generally considered safe for consumption and use in various products. However, it is important to handle it with care. It may cause mild skin and eye irritation upon direct contact, so wearing protective gloves and goggles is recommended. Ingesting large amounts may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. While it is not classified as a hazardous substance, it is prudent to avoid inhalation of its dust or vapors. As with any chemical, it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances. Following proper handling procedures ensures the safe utilization of sorbic acid potassium salt.
| Hazard Symbols | None |
| Safety Description | – May cause eye and skin irritation – Avoid inhalation of dust or vapors – Wear protective gloves and goggles – Store in a cool, dry place – Handle with care. |
| UN IDs | Not applicable |
| HS Code | 2916.19.00 |
| Hazard Class | Not classified as hazardous |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity in normal use levels |
Potassium Sorbate Synthesis Methods
There are several methods to synthesize sorbic acid potassium salt. One common method involves the reaction of sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. Sorbic acid dissolves in water and mixes with a solution of potassium hydroxide. We heat and stir the mixture to facilitate the reaction. Over time, sorbic acid reacts with potassium hydroxide, forming sorbic acid potassium salt and water. We then evaporate the resulting solution to obtain solid sorbic acid potassium salt crystals.
Another method involves esterifying sorbic acid with potassium alcoholate. React sorbic acid with an alcohol, such as methanol or ethanol, in the presence of a catalyst, typically sulfuric acid. Heat and stir the reaction mixture, causing sorbic acid to react with the alcohol and form sorbic acid potassium salt, and water as byproducts. Then purify the mixture to obtain the desired sorbic acid potassium salt product.
Furthermore, we synthesize sorbic acid potassium salt by reacting sorbic acid with potassium carbonate. We dissolve sorbic acid in a suitable solvent and add potassium carbonate to the solution. We heat and stir the mixture to promote the reaction. Afterward, we filter the resulting mixture to remove any impurities, and then evaporate the solvent to obtain solid sorbic acid potassium salt.
These synthesis methods allow us to produce sorbic acid potassium salt, which finds wide application as a preservative in the food and beverage industry.
Potassium Sorbate Uses
Sorbic acid potassium salt has various uses across different industries. Here are some key applications:
- Food Preservation: People widely employ sorbic acid potassium salt as a preservative to extend the shelf life of food products and inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.
- Beverage Industry: The beverage industry relies on sorbic acid potassium salt to maintain the quality and freshness of beverages, including fruit juices, soft drinks, and wine, by preventing spoilage caused by microbial contamination.
- Baked Goods: Bakers use sorbic acid potassium salt in bakery products such as bread, cakes, and pastries to prevent the growth of mold and increase their shelf life.
- Dairy Products: Manufacturers add sorbic acid potassium salt to dairy items like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream to preserve their freshness and inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms.
- Personal Care Products: Cosmetics, skincare products, and toiletries contain sorbic acid potassium salt as a preservative to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria, ensuring product safety and longevity.
- Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceutical formulations utilize sorbic acid potassium salt to prevent microbial growth and maintain the stability and efficacy of the medications.
- Animal Feed: Producers include sorbic acid potassium salt in animal feed to prevent the growth of mold and maintain its quality, ensuring the well-being of livestock.
- Agricultural Applications: In horticulture, sorbic acid potassium salt serves as a preservative for plant extracts and functions as a fungicide to protect crops from fungal infections.
- Industrial Applications: It finds use in various industrial processes, such as water treatment, as a biocide to control microbial growth in cooling towers and other systems
Overall, sorbic acid potassium salt serves as an effective preservative and antimicrobial agent, contributing to the preservation, quality, and safety of a wide range of products across multiple industries.
Questions:
Q: What is potassium sorbate?
A: Sorbic acid potassium salt is a food preservative commonly used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in various products.
Q: Where can I buy potassium sorbate?
A: Sorbic acid potassium salt can be purchased from grocery stores, baking supply shops, online retailers, and chemical suppliers.
Q: Is potassium sorbate safe?
A: Sorbic acid potassium salt is generally considered safe for consumption and use when used within recommended levels, but handling and usage precautions should be followed.
Q: What can I substitute instead of potassium sorbate?
A: Alternatives to sorbic acid potassium salt include other preservatives like sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, or natural preservatives like rosemary extract or grapefruit seed extract.
Q: How bad is potassium sorbate?
A: When used in recommended amounts, sorbic acid potassium salt is considered safe; however, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Q: Is potassium sorbate bad for you?
A: Sorbic acid potassium salt is considered safe for most people, but individuals with specific sensitivities or allergies should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if needed.
Q: What is potassium sorbate used for?
A: Sorbic acid potassium salt is used as a preservative in food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, and various industrial applications.
Q: How much potassium sorbate per gallon of wine?
A: The typical recommended dosage of sorbic acid potassium salt for wine is 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon per gallon as a stabilizer after fermentation.
Q: Can you drink potassium sorbate to kill Candida infection in the body?
A: Sorbic acid potassium salt is not intended to be consumed as a remedy for Candida infections; consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatments.
Q: Who should avoid potassium sorbate?
A: Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to sorbic acid potassium salt should avoid its consumption or use.
Q: How to use potassium sorbate in cosmetics?
A: Sorbic acid potassium salt can be added to cosmetics at recommended concentrations during the formulation process as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth and enhance product shelf life.