E261 (POTASSIUM ACETATE)

E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as deicer to remove snow and ice from the surface and considered as a replacement for calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a food additive, as a buffer in biological research, as an extinguishing agent used in class K fire extinguishers and as a catalyst to produce polyurethane polymers. 

CAS Number: 127-08-2 
EC Number: 204-822-2
IUPAC name: Potassium acetate
Chemical Formula: C2H3KO2

Other names: Potassium ethanoate, E261, Potassium acetate, 127-08-2, Diuretic salt, ACETIC ACID, POTASSIUM SALT, potassium;acetate, Potassium ethanoate, Acetic acid, potassium salt (1:1), KOAc, FEMA No. 2920, Kali aceticum, Potassium acetates, AcOK, Acetic acid potassium salt, MFCD00012458, Kaliumazetat, CH3CO2K, EINECS 204-822-2, Potassium acetate in plastic container, INS NO.261, DTXSID7027043, E261, MeCO2K, CHEBI:32029, INS-261, INS-261(I), UNII-M911911U02, Potassium acetate [USP:JAN], Acetic acid (potassium 99%), DTXCID107043, E-261, M911911U02, EC 204-822-2, Potassium acetate, for molecular biology, Potassium acetate (USP:JAN), POTASSIUM ACETATE (II), POTASSIUM ACETATE [II], POTASSIUM ACETATE (MART.), POTASSIUM ACETATE [MART.], potassiumacetate, POTASSIUM ACETATE (USP-RS), POTASSIUM ACETATE [USP-RS], Potassium acetate [JAN], Potassium acetate, meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur. BP E261, Potassium acetate, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, POTASSIUM ACETATE (EP MONOGRAPH), POTASSIUM ACETATE [EP MONOGRAPH], POTASSIUM ACETATE (USP MONOGRAPH), POTASSIUM ACETATE [USP MONOGRAPH], C2H3KO2, Potassium acetate (TN), potasium acetate, potassium acetat, Acetate, Potassium, potassium acetate ion, CH3COOK, KALI ACETICUM [HPUS], Potassium acetate (JAN/USP), POTASSIUM ACETATE [MI], CHEMBL1201058, POTASSIUM ACETATE [FHFI], HY-Y0319B, POTASSIUM ACETATE [VANDF], HY-Y0319B1, HY-Y0319B2, HY-Y0319B3, Potassium Acetate A.C.S. reagent, POTASSIUM ACETATE [WHO-DD], Potassium Acetate, biochemical grade, Tox21_202740, s4843, AKOS003052760, AKOS015901668, AKOS040765855, CCG-266027, CS-W020131, DB14498, FP30597, POTASSIUM ACETATE [ORANGE BOOK], Potassium acetate crystalline powder, USP, NCGC00260288-01, BP-21033, CAS-127-08-2, DA-77010, CS-0911127, CS-0911128, CS-0911129, NS00079439, P2786, EN300-33471, D01154, Potassium acetate, Trace metals grade 99.98%, Q409199, 204-822-2, Potassium ethanoate, Acetic acid potassium salt, Ethanoic acid potassium salt, Acetic acid, potassium salt, Diuretic salt, Kaliumazetat, potassium acetate MeCO2K, kaliumazetat, AcOK, KOAc.

E261 (Potassium acetate) is a potassium salt of acetic acid. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a chemical compound that is commonly utilized as a foundation for liquid deicing substances that do not contain chloride.

E261 (Potassium acetate) (CH3COOK) is the potassium salt of acetic acid.
E261 (Potassium acetate) (Diuretic salt, Potassium ethanoate) is the potassium salt of acetic acid, which is a synthetic carboxylic acid with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

E261 (Potassium acetate) is a potassium salt comprising equal numbers of potassium and acetate ions.
E261 (Potassium acetate) has a role as a food acidity regulator. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) contains an acetate.

E261 (Potassium acetate) is the acetate salt form of potassium, an essential macromineral. 
Potassium maintains intracellular tonicity, is required for nerve conduction, cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, production of energy, the synthesis of nucleic acids, maintenance of blood pressure and normal renal function. 

This agent has potential antihypertensive effects and when taken as a nutritional supplement may prevent hypokalemia.
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a small molecule drug with a maximum clinical trial phase of IV.

E261 (Potassium acetate) is a potassium salt used to replenish ELECTROLYTES, for restoration of WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE, as well as a urinary and systemic alkalizer, which can be administered orally or by intravenous infusion. 
Formerly, E261 (Potassium acetate) was used in DIURETICS and EXPECTORANTS.

E261 (Potassium acetate) is a moderately water soluble crystalline Potassium source that decomposes to Potassium oxide on heating. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is generally immediately available in most volumes. 

All metallic acetates are inorganic salts containing a metal cation and the acetate anion, a univalent (-1 charge) polyatomic ion composed of two carbon atoms ionically bound to three hydrogen and two oxygen atoms (Symbol: CH3COO) for a total formula weight of 59.05. 
Acetates are excellent precursors for production of ultra high purity compounds, catalysts, and nanoscale materials. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) (also called potassium ethanoate), (CH3COOK) is the potassium salt of acetic acid. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a hygroscopic solid at room temperature.

USES and APPLICATIONS of POTASSIUM ACETATE:
Industrial: E261 (Potassium acetate) is used in a variety of industrial applications, such as in the production of fertilizers, dyes, and textiles.
Fire extinguishing: E261 (Potassium acetate) is the extinguishing agent used in Class K fire extinguishers because of its ability to cool and form a crust over burning oils.

E261 (Potassium acetate) is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.
Crystallization grade E261 (Potassium acetate) for formulating screens or for optimization
E261 (Potassium acetate) prevents and treats low levels of potassium in your body. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as deicer to remove snow and ice from the surface and considered as a replacement for calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a food additive, as a buffer in biological research, as an extinguishing agent used in class K fire extinguishers and as a catalyst to produce polyurethane polymers. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is utilized for the precipitation of dodecyl sulfate bound proteins, thereby removal of proteins from DNA. 

De-icing Agent: E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a de-icer for airport runways and roads (alternative to chloride-based de-icers)
Buffering Agent: E261 (Potassium acetate) is used in biochemical and laboratory applications to maintain pH levels
Industrial Applications: E261 (Potassium acetate) is used in fire extinguishers, textile processing, and as a catalyst in chemical reactions

Agriculture: E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a potassium supplement in fertilizers
Fire extinguishing: E261 (Potassium acetate) is the extinguishing agent used in Class K fire extinguishers because of its ability to cool and form a crust over burning oils.

Medicine and biochemistry: In medicine, E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as part of electrolyte replacement protocols in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis because of its ability to break down to bicarbonate to help neutralize the acidotic state.
Potassium plays an important role in maintaining the health of your kidneys, heart, muscles, and nervous system.

In molecular biology, E261 (Potassium acetate) is used to precipitate Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and SDS-bound proteins to allow their removal from DNA.
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used in mixtures applied for tissue preservation, fixation, and mummification. 

Most museums today use a formaldehyde-based method recommended by Kaiserling in 1897 which contains E261 (Potassium acetate).
This process was used to soak Lenin's corpse
Industry: E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a catalyst in the production of polyurethanes.

Food additive uses of E261 (Potassium acetate):
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a food additive to control the acidity of foods. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is also used as a flavor enhancer and as a preservative.

Pharmaceutical uses of E261 (Potassium acetate):
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a pharmaceutical to treat a variety of conditions, including:

Hypokalemia: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used to treat low levels of potassium in the blood.

Metabolic acidosis: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition in which the blood becomes too acidic.

Bartter syndrome: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used to treat Bartter syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes the kidneys to lose too much potassium.

Industrial uses of E261 (Potassium acetate):
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used in a variety of industrial applications, including:

Fertilizer: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a fertilizer to provide potassium to plants.

Deicer: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a deicer on roads and sidewalks.

Fire retardant: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a fire retardant in textiles and plastics.

Deicing uses of E261 (Potassium acetate):
E261 (Potassium acetate) (as a substitute for calcium chloride or magnesium chloride) can be used as a deicer to remove ice or prevent its formation. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) offers the advantage of being less aggressive on soils and much less corrosive: for this reason, it is preferred for airport runways although it is more expensive.

Food additive uses of E261 (Potassium acetate):
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used in processed foods as a preservative and acidity regulator.
E261 (Potassium acetate) is also approved for usage in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Potassium hydrogen diacetate (CAS #4251-29-0 ) with formula KH(OOCCH3)2 is a related food additive with the same E number as E261 (Potassium acetate).

Use of E261 (Potassium acetate) in executions:
E261 (Potassium acetate) was incorrectly used in place of potassium chloride when putting a prisoner to death in Oklahoma in January 2015.

Charles Frederick Warner was executed on January 15, 2015 with E261 (Potassium acetate); this was not public knowledge until the scheduled execution of Richard Glossip was called off.

In August 2017, the U.S. state of Florida executed Mark James Asay using a combination of etomidate, rocuronium bromide, and E261 (Potassium acetate).
The drug was also used in the February 2023 execution of Donald Dillbeck, once again in combination with etomidate and rocuronium bromide.

Historical uses of E261 (Potassium acetate):
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a diuretic and urinary alkalizer. 

Before modern chemistry, E261 (Potassium acetate) was variously called terra foliata tartari, sal Sennerti, tartarus regeneratus, arcanum tartari and sal diureticus.
In 1760 E261 (Potassium acetate) was used in the preparation of Cadet's fuming liquid ((CH3)2As)2O, the first organometallic compound ever produced.

Deicing uses of E261 (Potassium acetate):
E261 (Potassium acetate) can be used as a deicer to remove ice and prevent its formation. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a substitute for chloride salts such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride in deicing applications. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) offers the advantage of being less aggressive on soils and much less corrosive, and for this reason, is preferred for airport runways. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is, however, more expensive.

Food additive uses of E261 (Potassium acetate):
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a food additive as a preservative and acidity regulator. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) is also approved for usage in the USA and Australia and New Zealand. 
Potassium hydrogen diacetate (CAS #4251-29-0 ) with formula KH(OOCCH3)2 is a related food additive with the same E number as E261 (Potassium acetate).

Other uses of E261 (Potassium acetate):
E261 (Potassium acetate) is also used in a variety of other applications, including:

Water softener: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a water softener to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water.

Electrolyte replenishes: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as an electrolyte replenisher in sports drinks and other beverages.

Cosmetics: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used in some cosmetics, such as shampoos and conditioners.

Food Preservation uses of E261 (Potassium acetate): 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is commonly used as a food preservative due to its antimicrobial properties. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) inhibits the growth of bacteria and molds, extending the shelf life of food products.

Pharmaceuticals uses of E261 (Potassium acetate): 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used in the formulation of certain medications, such as diuretics and laxatives. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) helps in maintaining electrolyte balance and treating conditions like hypokalemia.

Photography uses of E261 (Potassium acetate): 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is employed in photography as a component of photographic developers and fixing solutions. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) helps in the development and stabilization of images.

By following this guide, you can successfully prepare E261 (Potassium acetate) in a laboratory setting. 
Remember to prioritize safety and follow proper chemical handling procedures throughout the process.

Food additive uses of E261 (Potassium acetate): 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a food additive to control acidity and enhance flavor. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is commonly found in processed foods, such as canned goods, salad dressings, and baked goods.

Pharmaceutical uses of E261 (Potassium acetate): 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a pharmaceutical to treat and prevent low potassium levels (hypokalemia). 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is also used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition in which the body produces too much acid.

MEDICINAL USES OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used as a drug for the treatment of hypokalaemia in pharmaceutical applications. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is also used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) breaks down bicarbonate and helps neutralise the state of acidosis. 
During diabetic ketoacidosis, potassium levels in the blood are reduced. 

Therefore, the acetate anion present in E261 (Potassium acetate) can be used as it raises the levels of potassium salts to normal levels by neutralising the metabolite replacement process.
Potassium is the major cation (positive) inside animal cells, while sodium is the major cation outside animal cells. 

The difference in concentration of these charged particles causes a potential difference between the inside and outside of the cell, known as the membrane potential. 
The balance between potassium and sodium is maintained by ion pumps in the cell membrane. 

The cell membrane potential generated by potassium and sodium ions causes the cell to produce an action potential - a "spike" of discharge. 
The cell's ability to generate a discharge is critical to body functions such as nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function. 

Potassium is also an essential mineral for regulating water balance, blood pressure and acidity.
E261 (Potassium acetate) reduces blood pressure by eliminating salt from the body, as the potassium present in salt helps maintain blood pressure. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) also helps maintain intracellular toxicity, which is necessary for smooth muscle contraction and normal kidney function.
In addition, E261 (Potassium acetate) has been used as a diuretic and urinary alkalising agent.

SOLUBILITY OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
E261 (Potassium acetate) is soluble in water, alcohol and ammonia. Insoluble in acetone and ether.

NOTES OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
Hygroscopic. 
Air and moisture sensitive. 
Keep the container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
E261 (Potassium acetate) is an inorganic salt also known as potassium oxalate, diuretic salt, acetic acid, or potassium salt, with the molecular formula CH3COOK and the structure shown below. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) is a deliquescent white crystalline solid with a faint acetic acid odour and a melting point of 292°C. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) has a high boiling point and decomposes at high temperatures. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) is insoluble in organic solvents such as ether, but soluble in alcohol, ammonia and water. 
The solubility of E261 (Potassium acetate) in water is 100g/ml at 20 degrees Celsius.

E261 (Potassium acetate) has a pH of 7.5 to 9.0 and is considered a neutral compound. 
When dissolved in water, E261 (Potassium acetate) dissociates into potassium (K+) and acetate (CH3COO-) ions. 

The acetate ion can act as a weak base in some reactions due to its ability to accept protons (H+), but in general, E261 (Potassium acetate) is not classified as an acid or a base.

PREPARATION OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
E261 (Potassium acetate) can be prepared by treating a potassium-containing base such as potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate with acetic acid:
CH3COOH + KOH → CH3COOK + H2O
This sort of reaction is known as an acid-base neutralization reaction.
At saturation, the sesquihydrate in water solution (CH3COOK·1½H2O) begins to form semihydrate at 41.3 °C.

PRODUCTION METHODS OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
E261 (Potassium acetate) is prepared by an acid-base neutralisation reaction in which a potassium-containing base such as potassium carbonate (K2Co3) or potassium hydroxide (KOH) is treated with acetic acid. In the neutralisation reaction, the base reacts with the acid to form a salt and water. 

E261 (Potassium acetate) (KOH) is the salt formed when potassium hydroxide reacts with acetic acid together with water. 
The reaction formula is as follows:
CH3COOH+KOH→CH3COOK+H2O

E261 (Potassium acetate) is also formed when small amounts of water and potassium carbonate are added to a solution of acetic acid, followed by crystallisation and evaporation. 

The reaction formula is:
K2Co3+2CH3COOH→2CH3COOK+H2O+CO2

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
Acidity (pKa): 
4.76 (acts as a buffering agent)

Reactivity: 
Reacts with acids to produce acetic acid

Stability: 
Stable under normal conditions but hygroscopic

Decomposition Products: 
Produces potassium carbonate, acetic acid, and water upon heating

BENEFITS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
Non-corrosive Alternative: 
Compared to sodium acetate, E261 (Potassium acetate) is less corrosive to metals

Environmentally Friendly: 
Biodegradable and less harmful to vegetation than chloride-based salts

Efficient De-icer: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) works effectively at lower temperatures compared to sodium chloride

Good Water Solubility: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) dissolves quickly in water for various applications

Neutral pH Range: 
E261 (Potassium acetate) can act as a mild buffer in solutions

PREPARATION OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a versatile chemical compound with various applications in industries such as food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and photography. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) can be easily prepared in a laboratory setting through a simple chemical reaction. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare E261 (Potassium acetate):
Materials Required:
Acetic acid 
Potassium hydroxide 
Distilled water
Beakers
Stirring rod
pH meter
Safety goggles
Gloves

Procedure:
Step 1: Safety Precautions
Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from potential splashes or chemical contact.

Step 2: Preparing the Reactants
In a beaker, dissolve a known amount of potassium hydroxide in distilled water. 
Stir the solution until the salt is completely dissolved.
In another beaker, prepare a solution of acetic acid in distilled water. Stir the solution to ensure thorough mixing.

Step 3: Mixing the Reactants
Slowly add the potassium hydroxide solution to the acetic acid solution while stirring continuously.
Keep adding the potassium hydroxide solution until the pH of the mixture reaches approximately 7. 
This indicates that the reaction has reached a neutral point.

Step 4: Evaporation
Place the beaker containing the mixture on a heating mantle or hot plate.
Heat the mixture gently until most of the water evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated solution of E261 (Potassium acetate).

Step 5: Crystallization
Allow the concentrated solution to cool down slowly. 
As it cools, E261 (Potassium acetate) crystals will start to form.
If necessary, you can place the beaker in a refrigerator or ice bath to accelerate the crystallization process.

Step 6: Filtration
Once the crystals have formed, filter the mixture using filter paper or a Buchner funnel.
Wash the crystals with a small amount of cold distilled water to remove any impurities.

Step 7: Drying
Spread the E261 (Potassium acetate) crystals on a watch glass or filter paper and allow them to dry completely.
You can also place the crystals in an oven at a low temperature (around 50-60°C) to speed up the drying process.

Step 8: Storage
Once the crystals are completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.

CHEMICAL REACTION OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
The preparation of E261 (Potassium acetate) involves a neutralization reaction between potassium hydroxide and acetic acid 

FORMULA OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a chemical compound with the formula.
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is used in a variety of applications, including as a food additive, a fertilizer, and a pharmaceutical.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
E261 (Potassium acetate) is composed of a potassium ion and an acetate ion 
The acetate ion is a conjugate base of acetic acid. 

PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM ACETATE:
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a white, crystalline solid with a slightly bitter taste. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) has a molecular formula of and a molecular weight of 98.14 g/mol.

Physical Properties
Appearance: White, crystalline solid
Odor: Slight vinegar-like odor

Taste: Slightly bitter
Melting point: 292 °C (558 °F)

Boiling point: 326 °C (619 °F)
Density: 1.52 g/cm³

Solubility in water: 250 g/100 mL at 20 °C
Solubility in alcohol: 5 g/100 mL at 20 °C

Chemical Properties
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a salt of potassium and acetic acid.

E261 (Potassium acetate) is a weak base and a weak acid.
E261 (Potassium acetate) reacts with acids to form potassium salts and water.

It reacts with bases to form E261 (Potassium acetate) and water.
E261 (Potassium acetate) is a reducing agent and can be oxidized to form potassium carbonate and carbon dioxide.

E261 (Potassium acetate) is a versatile compound with a variety of uses. 
E261 (Potassium acetate) is important to be aware of its properties and potential health effects before using it.