Potassium sorbate
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It is found in nature in the unripe fruit (rowan berries) of the rowan tree. In industry, potassium sorbate is used as a preservative.
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is an antimicrobial ingredient that inhibits growth of molds, yeasts & bacteria and is widely used as a preservative in foods, drinks, and personal care products. It is an odourless and tasteless salt synthetically produced from sorbic acid and potassium hydroxide.
- Synonyms
- E202, 2, 4 - Hexadenoic acid, Potassium salt, Sorbic acid, Potassium salt, 2, 4 - Hexadenoic Acid, Potassium Salt, Potassium (E, E) - hexa - 2, 4 - dienoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Salt
- Chemical Formula
- C6H7KO2
- CAS Number
- 24634-61-5
Characteristics
- Molar Weight
- 150.22 g/mol
- Melting Point
- 270 °C
- Density
- 1.363 g/cc
- Forms
- White, Odorless, Granules
Uses and applications
Key applications
- Food and Nutrition
- Food preservatives
- Preservative
- Wine production
- Pharmaceuticals
- Skin care products
- Personal care
- Cosmetic products
- Anti-ageing products
Potassium sorbate in the industry
Food
Potassium sorbate is authorised in the EU as a food additive with the number E 202. It is used in the food industry as a preservative to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as mould, yeasts and certain bacteria. It helps to extend the shelf life of food and maintain its quality during storage.
Potassium sorbate works in slightly acidic environments. It is typically found in margarine, dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, baked goods, beverages such as fruit juice, mineral water, wine and soft drinks, preserves such as jams and pickled vegetables, olives, dried fruits and nuts, and ready meals such as sauces, dressings, mayonnaise and ketchup.
Cosmetics
Potassium sorbate is also used as a preservative in the cosmetics industry. It protects cosmetic products, especially those with a high water content, from microbial contamination. Potassium sorbate is particularly effective in slightly acidic pH ranges (3 to 6), which are common in cosmetic products.
Examples of applications include creams and lotions, facial toners and toners, shampoos and conditioners as well as make-up. Potassium sorbate is often used in natural cosmetics as it is considered a skin-friendly preservative compared to parabens, for example.
Pharma
Potassium sorbate is also used as a preservative in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the microbiological stability of water-based medicines (drops, sprays, syrups, capsules with liquid filling) and semi-solid preparations (creams, gels, ointments).
Agriculture
Potassium sorbate is used in agriculture to preserve fresh fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, ornamental plants and other agricultural products that need to be protected from microbial contamination during harvesting, storage and further processing. Potassium sorbate is either sprayed directly onto the plants or agricultural products as a solution or incorporated into the packaging.
Polymer
Potassium sorbate is used in the polymer industry as a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms in liquid formulations used in the production of polymers and other plastics. Microbes, especially moulds and bacteria, can occur in liquid polymers or intermediates and affect the quality and functionality of the final product.
Rubber
Potassium sorbate also acts as a preservative in the rubber and caoutchouc industry. Especially in latex and moist rubber compounds, it helps to maintain the shelf life, quality and stability of the products. It ensures that rubber and caoutchouc are not affected by microbial infestation, which could change physical properties such as the consistency, colour or odour of the end products.