Potassium Sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid and is widely used as a preservative in food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to its strong antimicrobial activity against molds, yeasts, and some bacteria.
Potassium Sorbate is highly soluble, easy to incorporate into aqueous systems, and maintains efficacy across a broad pH range, especially in mildly acidic formulations.
Potassium Sorbate is valued for its safety, stability, and neutral taste, making it one of the most commonly used preservatives in global food industries.
Potassium Sorbate is also utilized in personal care products, fermentation control, and industrial formulations requiring long-lasting microbial inhibition.
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, Food Preservative Potassium Sorbate, Preservative E202, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Salt of Sorbic Acid, E202 Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid Potassium Salt, K-Sorbate, Sorbistat-K, Food Grade Potassium Sorbate, Pharmaceutical Grade Potassium Sorbate, Cosmetic Grade Potassium Sorbate, Technical 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, Potassium Sorbate Additive, 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 Bakery Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Dairy Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Meat Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Wine Stabilizer, Potassium Sorbate Cider Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Sauce Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Snack Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Cosmetic Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Personal Care Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Skincare Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Haircare Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Lotion Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Cream Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Pharmaceutical Excipient, Potassium Sorbate Nutraceutical Ingredient, Potassium Sorbate Dietary Additive, Potassium Sorbate Feed Additive, Potassium Sorbate Animal Feed Preservative, Potassium Sorbate Chemical Stabilizer
APPLICATIONS
Potassium Sorbate is used as a preservative in baked goods.
Potassium Sorbate prevents mold growth during storage.
Potassium Sorbate improves shelf life without altering flavor.
Potassium Sorbate is incorporated into dairy products.
Potassium Sorbate inhibits yeast and mold in cheeses and yogurts.
Potassium Sorbate maintains microbial stability in refrigerated items.
Potassium Sorbate is applied in beverages and juices.
Potassium Sorbate provides long-term protection against yeast fermentation.
Potassium Sorbate stabilizes fruit-based drinks and syrups.
Potassium Sorbate is used in sauces, dressings, and condiments.
Potassium Sorbate prevents spoilage in acidic formulations.
Potassium Sorbate maintains microbiological quality during distribution.
Potassium Sorbate is employed in cosmetic and personal care products.
Potassium Sorbate prevents microbial contamination in creams and lotions.
Potassium Sorbate is compatible with natural and mild preservative systems.
Potassium Sorbate is used in pharmaceuticals.
Potassium Sorbate provides antimicrobial protection in syrups and suspensions.
Potassium Sorbate enhances stability of sensitive formulations.
Potassium Sorbate is applied in wine and beverage fermentation.
Potassium Sorbate inhibits yeast reproduction to prevent secondary fermentation.
Potassium Sorbate stabilizes sweetened wines and ciders.
Potassium Sorbate is used in pet foods.
Potassium Sorbate prevents spoilage in moist and semi-moist formulations.
Potassium Sorbate ensures product safety during extended storage.
Potassium Sorbate is incorporated into dried fruits and nuts.
Potassium Sorbate inhibits mold growth in high-moisture products.
Potassium Sorbate provides clean-label preservation.
Potassium Sorbate is used in industrial and household cleaning products.
Potassium Sorbate stabilizes water-based formulations.
Potassium Sorbate provides broad-spectrum preservation.
Potassium Sorbate is used as a preservative in baked goods.
Potassium Sorbate inhibits mold growth in bread, cakes, and pastries.
Potassium Sorbate extends shelf life in packaged bakery products.
Potassium Sorbate is used in cheese production.
Potassium Sorbate prevents mold growth on cheese surfaces during storage.
Potassium Sorbate maintains product quality in both soft and hard cheeses.
Potassium Sorbate is used in yogurt and dairy beverages.
Potassium Sorbate inhibits yeast and mold contamination in fermented products.
Potassium Sorbate stabilizes freshness in refrigerated dairy items.
Potassium Sorbate is used in fruit juices and soft drinks.
Potassium Sorbate prevents spoilage caused by yeasts.
Potassium Sorbate maintains flavor stability during distribution.
Potassium Sorbate is used in dried fruits.
Potassium Sorbate prevents mold and fungal growth on dehydrated products.
Potassium Sorbate helps retain color and quality in dried fruit snacks.
Potassium Sorbate is used in wine production.
Potassium Sorbate prevents secondary fermentation in bottled wines.
Potassium Sorbate ensures sweetness stability in sweet and semi-sweet wines.
Potassium Sorbate is used in condiments.
Potassium Sorbate provides microbial protection in sauces and dressings.
Potassium Sorbate helps maintain flavor and texture in shelf-stable condiments.
Potassium Sorbate is used in pickles and brined foods.
Potassium Sorbate prevents yeast growth in low-acid products.
Potassium Sorbate supports extended preservation without altering taste.
Potassium Sorbate is used in confectionery.
Potassium Sorbate protects gummies and soft candies from mold.
Potassium Sorbate maintains product softness during storage.
Potassium Sorbate is used in ready-to-eat meals.
Potassium Sorbate enhances microbial safety in packaged meals.
Potassium Sorbate reduces reliance on refrigeration for short-term storage.
Potassium Sorbate is used in pharmaceuticals.
Potassium Sorbate acts as a preservative in oral solutions and syrups.
Potassium Sorbate helps stabilize formulations containing sensitive ingredients.
Potassium Sorbate is used in cosmetics.
Potassium Sorbate prevents microbial contamination in creams and lotions.
Potassium Sorbate ensures safety in water-based cosmetic formulations.
Potassium Sorbate is used in personal care products.
Potassium Sorbate provides preservation in shampoos and conditioners.
Potassium Sorbate protects mild cleansing products from yeast and mold growth.
Potassium Sorbate is used in pet foods.
Potassium Sorbate stabilizes semi-moist food formulations.
Potassium Sorbate helps maintain freshness during distribution.
Potassium Sorbate is used in bakery glazes.
Potassium Sorbate prevents surface mold on coated bakery items.
Potassium Sorbate enhances shelf stability in high-moisture toppings.
Potassium Sorbate is used in salad bars and fresh-cut fruits.
Potassium Sorbate reduces fungal growth in foodservice environments.
Potassium Sorbate maintains freshness during display periods.
Potassium Sorbate is used in beverage concentrates.
Potassium Sorbate protects syrups and concentrates from microbial spoilage.
Potassium Sorbate ensures stable sweetness during long-term storage.
Potassium Sorbate is used in meat and poultry marinades.
Potassium Sorbate adds mild preservation while maintaining flavor.
Potassium Sorbate helps prevent spoilage in ready-to-cook meat products.
Potassium Sorbate is used in sour cream processing.
Potassium Sorbate prevents surface mold during refrigerated storage.
Potassium Sorbate helps maintain freshness in cultured dairy products.
Potassium Sorbate is used in whipped toppings.
Potassium Sorbate stabilizes high-moisture emulsions against fungal spoilage.
Potassium Sorbate supports longer shelf life in dairy and non-dairy toppings.
Potassium Sorbate is used in jelly and jam production.
Potassium Sorbate prevents yeast growth in high-sugar formulations.
Potassium Sorbate protects fruit spreads during ambient storage.
Potassium Sorbate is used in plant-based yogurt alternatives.
Potassium Sorbate controls microbial activity in non-dairy fermented products.
Potassium Sorbate improves stability of coconut and almond-based yogurts.
Potassium Sorbate is used in baked snack coatings.
Potassium Sorbate reduces mold formation on coated crackers and biscuits.
Potassium Sorbate enhances stability of moisture-sensitive snack glazes.
Potassium Sorbate is used in icings and frostings.
Potassium Sorbate prevents spoilage in sugar-rich icing systems.
Potassium Sorbate maintains smooth texture during storage.
Potassium Sorbate is used in meat substitute products.
Potassium Sorbate controls mold growth in plant-based meat formulations.
Potassium Sorbate helps maintain safety in refrigerated vegan products.
Potassium Sorbate is used in flavored milk drinks.
Potassium Sorbate prevents yeast spoilage in sweetened dairy beverages.
Potassium Sorbate maintains freshness during refrigerated distribution.
Potassium Sorbate is used in dehydrated soup mixes.
Potassium Sorbate inhibits mold growth in packaged powdered foods.
Potassium Sorbate protects flavor integrity in long-shelf-life products.
Potassium Sorbate is used in syrup-packed fruit cans.
Potassium Sorbate prevents yeast fermentation in sweet fruit fillings.
Potassium Sorbate maintains stability in high-sugar canned products.
Potassium Sorbate is used in herbal extracts.
Potassium Sorbate prevents fungal contamination in water-based botanical solutions.
Potassium Sorbate extends shelf life of liquid herbal supplements.
Potassium Sorbate is used in home-brewing additives.
Potassium Sorbate prevents re-fermentation in sweetened beverages.
Potassium Sorbate stabilizes sweetness levels in homemade ciders and wines.
DESCRIPTION
Potassium Sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid commonly used as a food preservative.
Potassium Sorbate is valued for its strong antifungal and anti-yeast activity.
Potassium Sorbate is widely used due to its safety and neutral sensory profile.
Potassium Sorbate appears as white crystalline granules or powder.
Potassium Sorbate has a mild, neutral odor and taste.
Potassium Sorbate is stable under normal storage conditions.
Potassium Sorbate is effective in a wide pH range, especially in acidic environments.
Potassium Sorbate prevents microbial growth by inhibiting enzymatic activity in fungi and yeasts.
Potassium Sorbate is classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities.
Potassium Sorbate should be stored in dry, cool conditions.
Potassium Sorbate must be protected from moisture to maintain stability.
Potassium Sorbate remains one of the most widely used preservatives in foods, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications.
Potassium Sorbate is a white, crystalline powder or granular solid with a neutral taste.
Potassium Sorbate is odorless and dissolves readily in water.
Potassium Sorbate forms clear solutions with strong preservative activity.
Potassium Sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a naturally occurring compound.
Potassium Sorbate dissociates in water, releasing sorbate ions that inhibit microbial growth.
Potassium Sorbate functions best in slightly acidic environments.
Potassium Sorbate exhibits excellent chemical stability under normal storage.
Potassium Sorbate does not discolor or react adversely with most food ingredients.
Potassium Sorbate remains effective throughout processing, heating, and storage.
Potassium Sorbate is compatible with natural flavors, sweeteners, and other preservatives.
Potassium Sorbate blends easily in both solid and liquid formulations.
Potassium Sorbate provides long-lasting antimicrobial protection.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C₆H₇KO₂
Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Mild, slightly salty
Density: Approximately 1.36 g/cm³ (true density)
Melting Point: ~270°C (decomposes without clear melting)
Boiling Point: Not applicable; decomposes before boiling
Solubility in Water: Highly soluble (~58.2 g/100 mL at 20°C; increases with temperature)
Solubility in Alcohol: Moderately soluble in ethanol; limited solubility in organic solvents
pH (1% solution): 7.8–8.5
Dissociation: Rapid release of sorbic acid in acidic media
Hygroscopicity: Mildly hygroscopic at high humidity
Thermal Stability: Stable under typical processing temperatures; decomposes at elevated heat
Refractive Index: Not applicable for solids
Partition Coefficient (log P): Approximately −1.1 (high water solubility)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Function: Preservative, antimicrobial agent
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Skin Contact:
Wash thoroughly with water and soap.
Seek medical care if irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
Rinse with clean water for several minutes.
Seek medical attention if redness or discomfort continues.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth and drink water.
Generally recognized as safe, but seek medical help if discomfort occurs.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically; material has low toxicity.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Wear protective gloves, goggles, and dust masks if airborne powder is present.
Avoid inhalation of fine particles.
Ensure adequate ventilation during handling.
Avoidance:
Avoid excessive moisture that may cause clumping.
Keep away from strong oxidizers.
Spill Procedures:
Sweep or vacuum carefully without creating dust.
Dispose of material according to local regulations.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Keep container tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption.
Protect from heat, humidity, and contamination.