Description
Potassium sorbate (C6H7KO2) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, widely used as a food preservative. It’s a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Description / Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Potassium sorbate |
| CAS Number | 24634-61-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₇KO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 150.22 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder or granules |
| Odor | Odorless or faint characteristic odor |
| Taste | Slightly bitter |
| Solubility in Water | Highly soluble (≈ 58 g/L at 20 °C) |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Slightly soluble in alcohol; insoluble in oils |
| Density | ~1.36 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | Decomposes above ~270 °C (no true melting) |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | ~7.5–8.5 |
| Hygroscopicity | Slightly hygroscopic |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions |
Uses
Potassium sorbate is an effective antimicrobial that works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria. It’s particularly useful in products with a low pH. It’s a popular preservative because it doesn’t alter the taste, color, or smell of the food. You can find it in a wide range of products:
Foods: cheese, yogurt, dried fruits, baked goods, soft drinks, and fruit juices.
Beverages: It’s a common “wine stabilizer” used to prevent re-fermentation in wines that contain residual sugar.
Personal Care: It’s also used in cosmetics and personal care products like shampoos and moisturizers to prevent the growth of microorganisms and extend shelf life.
GRADES
Food Chemical Codex (FCC) Grade
This is the most common and widely used grade for potassium sorbate.
Purity: Meets the stringent requirements of the Food Chemical Codex. This means it is suitable for direct use as a food additive and preservative in a variety of food and beverage products.
Applications: Used in baked goods, cheeses, yogurt, soft drinks, wines, and other food items to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast. It is also used in many personal care and cosmetic products.
Labeling: Often identified by its E number, E202, in Europe.
National Formulary (NF) Grade
The NF grade is for products that meet the standards of the National Formulary, a compendium of standards for drug substances, excipients, and other medical products.
Purity: Has a high level of purity and is manufactured under strict current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
Applications: Used as a preservative in pharmaceutical formulations, such as topical ointments, syrups, and oral suspensions.
European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Grades
These are similar to the NF grade, specifying high-purity standards for pharmaceutical use in Europe.
Purity: Meets the rigorous quality and purity requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia and British Pharmacopoeia.
Applications: Used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products sold in European markets.
Technical Grade
This is a more general-purpose grade that is less pure than the food or pharmaceutical grades.
Purity: Does not meet the strict purity standards of the FCC, NF, or pharmacopoeia grades. It may contain more impurities.
Applications: Used in industrial applications where a high level of purity isn’t critical, such as in certain cleaning products, resins, or animal feed. It is not intended for human consumption or pharmaceutical use.
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