Potassium Sorbate (E202) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid and is widely used as a food preservative, antimicrobial agent, stabilizer, and mold inhibitor in foods, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial formulations.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) inhibits the growth of molds, yeasts, and certain bacteria, extending shelf life without significantly altering taste, odor, or appearance.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is highly soluble in water and effective across a broad pH range, making it one of the most versatile preservatives used in modern manufacturing.
CAS Number: 24634-61-5
EC Number: 246-376-1
Molecular Formula: C₆H₇KO₂
Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
Synonyms: Potassium Sorbate, E202, Sorbic Acid Potassium Salt, Potassium (E,E)-Hexa-2,4-dienoate, Preservative E202, Antimicrobial Potassium Salt, Food-Grade Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Sorbate, E202 Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid Potassium Salt, Potassium Salt of Sorbic Acid, K-Sorbate, Potassium Hexadienoate, Potassium (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate, Sorbate Potassium, Food Grade Potassium Sorbate, Pharmaceutical Grade Potassium Sorbate, Cosmetic Grade Potassium Sorbate, Industrial Grade Potassium Sorbate, High-Purity Potassium Sorbate, Pure Potassium Sorbate, Extra-Pure Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Sorbate Powder, Potassium Sorbate Granules, Potassium Sorbate Crystals, Potassium Sorbate Fine Powder, Stabilized Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Sorbate Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Antimicrobial, Potassium Sorbate Antifungal, Potassium Sorbate Mold Inhibitor, Potassium Sorbate Yeast Inhibitor, Potassium Sorbate Food Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Beverage Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Dairy Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Meat Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Wine Stabilizer, Potassium Sorbate Snack Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Sauce Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Bakery Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Confectionery Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Shelf-Life Extender, Potassium Sorbate Food Additive E202, E202 Preservative, E202 Fungistat, E202 Antimicrobial Agent, E202 Food Stabilizer, Sorbate E202, Sorbate Salt E202, Potassium Sorbate Clean-Label Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Non-Toxic Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Safe Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Odorless Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Water-Soluble Salt, Potassium Sorbate Food Ingredient, Potassium Sorbate Functional Additive, Potassium Sorbate Specialty Additive, Potassium Sorbate Chemical Raw Material, Potassium Sorbate Fine Chemical, Potassium Sorbate Industrial Chemical, Potassium Sorbate Technical Chemical, Sorbic Acid Potassium Salt Food Grade, Potassium Sorbate Natural-Equivalent Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Mild Preservative
APPLICATIONS
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in bakery products.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) inhibits mold growth in breads and cakes.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) enhances shelf stability of baked goods.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is applied in dairy products.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents yeast and mold formation in cheese and yogurt.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) stabilizes cultured and fermented dairy products.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in beverages.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents refermentation in fruit juices and ciders.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) extends shelf life in wine and soft drinks.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in dried foods and snacks.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) reduces spoilage in nuts, fruits, and dehydrated foods.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) maintains product aroma and flavor.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is incorporated into cosmetic formulations.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) acts as a mild preservative in creams and lotions.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents microbial growth in water-rich formulations.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in pharmaceuticals.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) stabilizes syrups, suspensions, and oral solutions.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) improves microbial safety and storage time.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is applied in food coatings and packaging.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) provides surface protection from molds and yeasts.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is compatible with edible coatings and dips.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in personal care products.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) preserves shampoos, conditioners, and gels.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is suitable for natural and mild cosmetic systems.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used as a preservative in food products.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) inhibits the growth of molds, yeasts, and fungi in packaged foods.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) extends the shelf life of baked goods, cheeses, and confectionery items.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in beverage preservation.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents fermentation in fruit juices and soft drinks.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) stabilizes wine by inhibiting yeast activity after sweetening.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in dairy processing.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents mold formation on cheese surfaces.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) maintains microbial stability in yogurt and sour cream.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in meat and seafood products.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) reduces microbial spoilage in cured meats.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) improves safety and longevity of packaged fish products.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in personal care items.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) preserves lotions, creams, and gels against microbial contamination.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) maintains product integrity in natural cosmetic formulations.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in shampoos and conditioners.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents microbial growth in water-rich haircare systems.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) enhances preservation in sulfate-free formulations.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in pharmaceutical formulations.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) ensures microbial stability in oral medications.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents contamination in liquid suspensions and syrups.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in animal feed preservation.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents mold formation in high-moisture feed blends.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) supports safe long-term storage of feed ingredients.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in bakery icings and fillings.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) maintains freshness of cream-based fillings.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) delays mold growth in packaged pastries.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in pickled and fermented foods.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents yeast overgrowth during storage.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) stabilizes acidity-controlled preserved vegetables.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in beverage concentrates.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) protects against microbial degradation in syrups.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) extends shelf life in juice concentrates and flavorings.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in nutraceuticals.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) ensures stability of liquid vitamins and supplements.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents spoilage in herbal tonics and extracts.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is used in pet food production.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) prevents fungal growth in semi-moist pet foods.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) enhances safety in packaged pet treats.
DESCRIPTION
Potassium Sorbate (E202) appears as white to off-white granules or crystalline powder.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is odorless or has a very slight characteristic odor.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) has a neutral to slightly acidic taste.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) dissolves readily in water.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) forms clear solutions that are easy to incorporate into formulations.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is preferred over sorbic acid for its higher water solubility.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) inhibits microbial growth by interfering with enzyme activity.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is effective against molds and yeasts at low concentration levels.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) works best in acidic to neutral pH environments.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is stable when stored properly.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) may degrade in strong UV light or extreme heat.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is non-volatile and low odor, making it suitable for delicate foods.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is globally recognized as safe (GRAS) at permitted levels.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is widely approved for use in food and cosmetic applications.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) demonstrates excellent preservative efficiency.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) appears as a white, free-flowing crystalline powder.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is highly soluble in water and ideal for liquid formulations.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is an effective antimicrobial agent active against molds, yeasts, and fungi.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) functions best in foods with pH below 6.5.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is widely used in food and cosmetics due to its low toxicity.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) has minimal impact on flavor, aroma, or color of treated products.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is stable under normal storage conditions.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) dissociates to form sorbic acid, the active antimicrobial species.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is compatible with most food ingredients and cosmetic actives.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is often combined with other preservatives for enhanced protection.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) resists microbial degradation better than sorbic acid in liquid systems.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) is approved worldwide as a safe preservative for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed.
Potassium Sorbate (E202) remains one of the most versatile and widely used antimicrobial agents in modern formulation science.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C₆H₇KO₂
Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless or faint characteristic smell
Density: ~1.36 g/cm³
Melting Point: 270–271°C (decomposes)
Solubility in Water: Very high (~1390 g/L at 20°C)
Solubility in Alcohol: Slightly soluble
pH (1% solution): ~7.0–8.0
Stability: Stable under dry, cool conditions; sensitive to heat and UV
Reactivity: Non-reactive under normal conditions; may oxidize slowly
Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic
Storage Temperature: <25°C, protected from moisture and light
Preservative Range: 0.02–0.3% depending on application
Decomposition: Produces sorbic acid and potassium salts
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact:
Wash skin with soap and water.
Seek medical attention if redness or irritation continues.
Eye Contact:
Rinse thoroughly with water for 15 minutes.
Seek medical assistance if discomfort persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth and drink water.
Generally safe at low doses; seek medical advice if large quantities are ingested.
Note to Physicians:
Treat irritation symptomatically; low toxicity material.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid creating dust during transfer.
Wear gloves, goggles, and masks if handling large amounts.
Ensure good ventilation.
Avoidance:
Avoid strong oxidizing agents.
Protect from intense UV exposure.
Spill Procedures:
Sweep or vacuum gently to avoid dust formation.
Dispose according to local regulations.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Seal containers tightly to prevent moisture uptake.
Keep away from heat and direct sunlight.