POTASSIUM SORBATE

Potassium sorbate is commonly used to protect products from spoilage caused by molds, yeasts, and selected bacteria.
Potassium sorbate helps maintain product freshness and quality without strongly changing flavor, color, or odor.
Potassium sorbate is especially effective in acidic foods, beverages, cosmetics, and personal care formulations.

CAS Number: 24634-61-5
EC Number: 246-376-1
Molecular Formula: C6H7KO2
Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol

Synonyms: Potassium Sorbate, (2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid potassium salt, (E,E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid potassium salt, Sorbic acid potassium salt, E 202, E 202 (preservative), K 60/95, PO 300, Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate, Potassium sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a chemical additive.
Potassium sorbate’s widely used as a preservative in foods, drinks, and personal care products.
Potassium sorbate is an odorless and tasteless salt synthetically produced from sorbic acid and potassium hydroxide.

Potassium sorbate prolongs the shelf life of foods by stopping the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi.
Potassium sorbate was discovered in the 1850s by the French, who derived it from berries of the mountain ash tree.

Potassium sorbate's safety and uses as a preservative have been researched for the last fifty years.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes it as generally safe when used appropriately.

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, structural formula CH3CH=CH−CH=CH−CO2K.
Potassium sorbate is a white salt that is very soluble in water (58.2% at 20 °C).

Potassium sorbate is primarily used as a food preservative (E number 202).
Potassium sorbate is effective in a variety of applications including food, wine, and personal care products.
While sorbic acid occurs naturally in rowan and hippophae berries, virtually all of the world's supply of sorbic acid, from which Potassium sorbate is derived, is manufactured synthetically.

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid and is widely used as a preservative in food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
Potassium sorbate helps inhibit the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria, especially in acidic formulations.
Potassium sorbate is commonly preferred because it is effective at low usage levels and has minimal impact on taste, odor, and product appearance.

Potassium sorbate is a safe preservative widely used in cosmetics and skincare products.
Potassium sorbate, in the form of potassium salt, is generally preferred in products with natural and organic ingredients.

Potassium sorbate extends the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of microorganisms.
Potassium sorbate is particularly safe to use in natural cosmetic formulas.

Potassium sorbate stands out for its environmentally friendly and sustainable nature.
Furthermore, Potassium sorbate's biodegradability ensures it returns to nature without harming the environment.

Potassium sorbate is prominent in the cosmetics industry for its stabilizing and preservative properties.
Potassium sorbate is a preferred preservative in the cosmetics industry, especially in the food sector.

As its known, preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of products and prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid.

Potassium sorbate can appear as a crystalline white powder or granules.
Due to its tasteless and odorless nature, Potassium sorbate is preferred in food production.

However, in cosmetic production, Potassium sorbate is found in shampoos, creams, lotions, sunscreens, and skin moisturizers.
Although Potassium sorbate is also used in herbal extracts, it is usually mixed with sodium benzoate before being added because it generally does not produce sufficient effect otherwise.

Potassium sorbate is a food preservative commonly used in the baking industry to prevent mold, yeast, and microbes.
Potassium sorbate is often used in cakes and icings, beverage syrups, cheese, dried fruits, margarine, pie fillings, wine, etc. at concentrations dependent on the specific application.

Potassium sorbate is a water soluble ingredient with molecular formula, C6H7KO2.
Potassium sorbate is commercially available in the form of powder or pellets.
Potassium sorbate is effective at pH up to 6 but drops rapidly at higher levels.

Potassium sorbate is a potassium salt of sorbic acid (natural fatty acid).
In water Potassium sorbate releases sorbic acid which is the active agent.

Potassium sorbate is a crucial cosmetic ingredient renowned for its preservative properties.
With a chemical formula of C6H7KO2, Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid.

Potassium sorbate appears as a white crystalline powder or granules and is water-soluble.
Potassium sorbate's primary role in cosmetics is to extend product shelf life by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, preventing spoilage and ensuring consumer safety.

Potassium sorbate is widely employed in various cosmetic formulations, such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and makeup, to maintain product quality and integrity.
Potassium sorbate's effectiveness as a preservative plays a vital role in preserving the longevity of cosmetic products.

Potassium sorbate dissolves in water and has a boiling point of 270 degrees Celsius.
Organic acids are generally not used in food products.

However, Potassium sorbate is known as the only organic acid permitted for use in food.
Due to some of its properties, Potassium sorbate is considered less harmful than some preservatives in certain applications.

Potassium sorbate is listed among food additives as E 202.
In the late 1930s, Potassium sorbate was proven that sorbic acid and its salts inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Therefore, the use of Potassium sorbate in the food industry has increased.
Potassium sorbate is found in nature in the fruit of a plant called the rowan tree.

Potassium sorbate has no distinct taste or odor.
Although slightly soluble in alcohol, Potassium sorbate has high solubility in water.

Potassium sorbate is used in many food products.
Potassium sorbate is effective against many bacteria such as mold and yeast.

Potassium sorbate is used in food products by adding it to the packaging, sprinkling it, or spraying it.
Potassium sorbate is used in many foods and beverages.

Besides food and beverages, Potassium sorbate is used in tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
Potassium sorbate is used in many areas such as tomato paste, bread, margarine, jam, fish, confectionery, cheese, wine, yogurt, fruit products, and bakery products.

The preservative effect of Potassium sorbate is 10 times more effective than sodium benzoate.
Potassium sorbate extends the shelf life of food and helps maintain its original taste.

Since some microorganisms can utilize sorbate acid in their metabolism, Potassium sorbate's preservative effect disappears quickly in products with a high microbial load.
Besides food, Potassium sorbate is used as an intermediate product in plastics manufacturing for coating and gloss enhancement.

Potassium sorbate is a preservative used in different packaged foods to help prevent spoilage by microorganisms — namely fungi, such as yeast or mold — and certain bacteria.
“Potassium sorbate is used to help make food safe by curbing microbial growth,” says Isabel Maples, MEd, RDN, a dietitian in Haymarket, Virginia.
“Potassium sorbate’s there to help extend shelf life.”

Potassium sorbate comes from sorbic acid, naturally found in the berries of the mountain ash tree and first used by the French in the 1850s to prevent mold growth in various foods.
Now humans primarily produce Potassium sorbate in a lab, and experts consider it safe for consumption.
You can typically find the preservative in the following foods.

Potassium sorbate is a versatile preservative widely used in the personal care industry.
As an authorised, food grade preservative, Potassium sorbate has broad spectrum efficacy with antifungal focus, helping extend the shelf life of personal care formulations without microbial spoilage.

Potassium sorbate is most effective when used at a pH below 5.5, making it suitable for a variety of product types.
Potassium sorbate's ability to inhibit microbial growth helps ensure products maintain integrity and quality for consumers.

Potassium sorbate's chemical stability and high water solubility also make it a top choice for preserving personal care items.
Potassium sorbate is listed as one of the authorised preservatives for e.g.

Potassium sorbate is the common name for potassium (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadienoate.
The main use of Potassium sorbate is as food additive (E 202) as mold and yeast inhibitor.

Potassium sorbate is used as a antimicrobial and fungistatic agent and preservative in foods, especially cheeses (unripen, ripened and whey cheese and cheese products), citrus fruits, chewing gum, processed potato products, potato gnocchi, meat pâté, processed meat, processed fish, processed eggs (dehydrated and concentrated frozen eggs), table-top sweeteners in liquid form, protein products, dietary foods for weight control, salads, fruit nectars, beer, wine, fruit wine and made wine, mead, aromatized wines and aromatized wine-based drinks and cocktails, potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks, desserts and food supplements and processed nuts.
Potassium sorbate has been also used as medication and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Potassium sorbate is also approved as a biocidal active substance.

Uses of Potassium Sorbate:
Potassium sorbate is used in cheese, yogurt, bakery products, sauces, dressings, fruit preparations, beverages, jams, confectionery, wine, pickles, cosmetics, lotions, creams, shampoos, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Potassium sorbate helps extend shelf life by reducing microbial spoilage caused mainly by yeasts and molds.
Potassium sorbate is especially effective in acidic products where preservative performance is stronger.

Potassium sorbate is not a direct personal care and cosmetic ingredient but is widely used in products indirectly.
In skincare, Potassium sorbate safeguards creams, serums, and lotions from microbial contamination, ensuring their longevity and safety.

In hair care products like shampoos and conditioners, Potassium sorbate maintains formula integrity, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi, thereby prolonging product shelf life.
Similarly in cosmetics, Potassium sorbate is essential for preserving the quality and safety of makeup items like foundations, eyeshadows, and lipsticks.
By inhibiting microbial growth, Potassium sorbate ensures these products maintain their intended performance and consistency, allowing consumers to enjoy them without concerns about spoilage or contamination.

Potassium sorbate is commonly used as a preservative in pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics.
Potassium sorbate is also used as additive for the preservation of food.

Potassium sorbate is used to inhibit molds and yeasts in many foods, such as cheese, wine, yogurt, dried meats, apple cider, dried fruits, soft drinks and fruit drinks, and baked goods.
Potassium sorbate can also be found in the ingredients list of many dried fruit products.

In addition, herbal dietary supplement products generally contain Potassium sorbate, which acts to prevent mold and microbes and to increase shelf life.
Potassium sorbate is used in quantities at which no adverse health effects are known, over short periods of time.
Labeling of Potassium sorbate on ingredient statements reads as "Potassium sorbate" or "E202".

Also, Potassium sorbate is used in many personal care products to inhibit the development of microorganisms to increase shelf stability.
Some manufacturers use Potassium sorbate as a replacement for parabens.

Also known as "wine stabilizer", Potassium sorbate produces sorbic acid when added to wine.

Potassium sorbate serves two purposes:
When active fermentation has ceased and the wine is racked for the final time after clearing, Potassium sorbate renders any surviving yeast incapable of multiplying.
Yeast living at that moment can continue fermenting any residual sugar into CO2 and alcohol, but when they die, no new yeast will be present to cause future fermentation.

When a wine is sweetened before bottling, Potassium sorbate is used to prevent refermentation when used in conjunction with potassium metabisulfite.
Potassium sorbate is primarily used with sweet wines, sparkling wines, and some hard ciders, but may be added to table wines, which may not maintain their clarity after fining.

Potassium sorbate also inhibits bacteria, especially Clostridium botulinum.
Tube feeding of Potassium sorbate reduces the amount of pathogenic bacteria in the stomach.

Some molds (notably some Trichoderma and Penicillium strains) and yeasts are able to detoxify sorbates by decarboxylation, producing piperylene (1,3-pentadiene).
The pentadiene manifests as a typical odor of kerosene or petroleum.

Potassium sorbate is used as preservatives in a wide range of food products, such as food products and their packaging materials, because they have broad efficacy in preventing most molds, yeasts, and bacteria.
Potassium sorbate is also used as fungistatic agents in food.

Low pH values ​​require low amounts of sorbic acid.
Potassium sorbate is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and flavoring products.

Potassium sorbate is used in wine to prevent secondary fermentation of increased sugar.
Potassium sorbate is used to improve gloss in coatings and as an intermediate in the production of plasticizers and lubricants.

Potassium sorbate is applied by pulverizing to the outer surface after sausage fillings, and applied as a 15% solution.
Potassium sorbate is also used in the rubber industry to improve grinding characteristics.

Benefits of Potassium Sorbate:
By working diligently, Potassium sorbate prevents the product from being contaminated by microorganisms.
Potassium sorbate can be obtained naturally from the fruits of the rowan tree, called Sorbus aucuaria.
However, the majority of Potassium sorbate is synthetically produced by neutralizing potassium hydroxide.

Potassium sorbate is readily absorbed in water and forms sorbic acid.
Potassium sorbate is more effective against fungi, yeasts, and molds than bacteria; this means that Potassium sorbate is not labeled as a broad-spectrum preservative.

Manufacturing of Potassium Sorbate:
Potassium sorbate can be commercially synthesized by neutralizing sorbic acid (E200, also a food preservative, can be naturally found in berries, but the commercial one is made from chemical synthesis) with potassium hydroxide. (1)

Here is the brief four steps manufacturing process:

Condensation reaction:
Obtain polymeric ester of 3-hydroxy-4-hexenoic acid by the condensation between ketene and crotonaldehyde.

The following is the reaction equation:
H2C=C=O + CH3–CH=CH–CHO = CH3CH=CH−CH=CH−COOH

Decomposition:
Decompose the polyester to produce sorbic acid.

Purification:
Through activated carbon, distillation, recrystallization or other processes.
Neutralization with potassium hydroxide.

Properties of Potassium Sorbate:

Appearance:
A crystal white powder, granular or spherical/pellets with neutral taste and odor.
Potassium sorbate is easy to absorb water and expired if exposed to humid air. 

Solubility:
Freely soluble in water and soluble in ethanol.
As the solubility of sorbic acid is very low in water (0.16g/100ml at 20 °C), as this result, Potassium sorbate is usually made into its soluble potassium salt – Potassium sorbate (solubility 67.6g/100ml at 20 °C to as a preservative in food.

PH:
Potassium sorbate's antimicrobial effectiveness is in a wide pH range from 3.0 to 6.5), and better under acidic conditions with pH value less than 5-6.
The activity increases as the pH decreases. 

Potassium sorbate is still effective at higher pH ranges, for example, PH 6.5, while sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate almost lost its antimicrobial activity which are effective to only below PH 4.5.
However, Potassium sorbate will also ineffective if pH above 7.0.

Production of Potassium Sorbate:
Potassium sorbate is produced industrially by neutralizing sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide.
The precursor sorbic acid is produced in a two-step process via the condensation of crotonaldehyde and ketene.

Origin of Potassium Sorbate:
Potassium sorbate is typically synthesized through a reaction involving sorbic acid, which can be derived from natural sources such as berries, and potassium hydroxide.
This process results in the formation of Potassium sorbate.

Potassium sorbate is produced by combining potassium hydroxide and sorbic acid to create a potassium salt.
Sorbic acid is naturally present in the lactone form in berries such as rowan berries, Sorbus aucuparia L,1 which Potassium sorbate was first isolated from.
Some fruits such as cranberries, currants, strawberries naturally contain sorbic acid.

Stability and Reactivity of Potassium Sorbate:

Chemical stability:
Potassium sorbate is stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal conditions of use.
Potassium sorbate may react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, or strong bases.

Conditions to avoid:
Avoid excessive heat, open flames, direct sunlight, moisture, dust formation, and contamination.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases, and reactive chemicals.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Thermal decomposition or combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potassium oxides, smoke, and irritating organic fumes.

Handling and Storage of Potassium Sorbate:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Avoid breathing dust.
Prevent dust accumulation and avoid creating airborne dust clouds.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Keep container tightly closed when not in use.

Storage conditions:
Protect from heat, direct sunlight, moisture, humidity, and contamination.
Store away from incompatible materials.

Packaging materials:
Keep in original sealed bags, drums, fiber drums, boxes, or suitable food-grade industrial packaging.

Shelf life:
Stable under recommended dry and sealed storage conditions.

First Aid Measures of Potassium Sorbate:

Inhalation:
Move person to fresh air.
If dust causes coughing, irritation, or breathing difficulty, seek medical attention.

Skin contact:
Wash affected area with soap and plenty of water.
Remove contaminated clothing if necessary.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Eye contact:
Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Continue rinsing and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs.

Most important symptoms:
Dust may cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Firefighting Measures of Potassium Sorbate:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide.

Unsuitable extinguishing media:
Do not use a direct high-pressure water jet, as Potassium sorbate may spread burning powder or dust.

Specific hazards:
Product may burn under fire conditions.
Dust may form combustible dust clouds in air.
Combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potassium oxides, smoke, and irritating organic fumes.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray.
Avoid inhalation of smoke and decomposition gases.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of Potassium Sorbate:

Personal precautions:
Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Avoid breathing dust.
Spilled powder may create a slipping hazard.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent material from entering drains, soil, surface water, or waterways.

Methods for containment:
Stop spill if safe to do so.
Avoid dust generation and prevent material from spreading.

Methods for cleaning up:
Sweep, shovel, or vacuum using dust-control methods.
Place into suitable labeled containers for reuse or disposal.
Clean the contaminated area after collection.

Disposal:
Dispose of collected material according to local, regional, and national regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective of Potassium Sorbate:

Engineering controls:
Use adequate ventilation.
Provide local exhaust ventilation where dust may be generated during weighing, transfer, mixing, or processing.

Respiratory protection:
Normally not required under standard handling conditions.
Use suitable dust mask or respirator if dust levels are high or ventilation is insufficient.

Hand protection:
Wear protective gloves suitable for chemical handling.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.

Skin and body protection:
Wear suitable protective clothing to prevent prolonged or repeated contact.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Keep away from food, beverages, and animal feed.

Identifiers of Potassium Sorbate:
E No.: E202
CAS No.: 24634-61-5
EC No.: 246-376-1
Molecular formula: C₆H₇KO₂
Molecular weight: 150.22 g/mol

Empirical Formula (Hill Notation): C6H7KO2
CAS Number: 24634-61-5
Molecular Weight: 150.22
UNSPSC Code: 12352107
E Number: E202
EC Index Number: 246-376-1
MDL number: MFCD00016546

Linear Formula: CH3CH=CHCH=CHCOOK
CAS Number: 24634-61-5
Molecular Weight: 150.22
EC Number: 246-376-1

Mol. Formula: C6H7O2K
EC / List no.: 246-376-1
CAS no.: 24634-61-5
Molecular weight: 150,22

Product Name: Potassium sorbate (E 202)
Chemical Formula: C6H7KO2
Cas No: 24634-61-5
EINESC No: 246-376-1
UN No: Not subject to transport regulations
Physical Properties: White Solid Granule
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
Density: 1.36 g/cm3
Solubility: Soluble in water

Product Code: MM0955.00-0250
CAS Number: 24634-61-5
Product Format: Neat
Molecular Formula: C6 H7 O2 . K
Molecular Weight: 150.22

CAS Number: 24634-61-5 / 590-00-1
Chem/IUPAC Name: Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
EINECS/ELINCS No: 246-376-1 / -
COSING REF No: 37025

CAS Number: 24634-61-5
ChEBI: CHEBI:77868
ChemSpider: 4445644
ECHA InfoCard: 100.042.145
E number: E202 (preservatives)
KEGG: D02411
PubChem CID: 23676745
UNII: 1VPU26JZZ4
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID7027835
InChI: InChI=1S/C6H8O2.K/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8;/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8);/q;+1/p-1/b3-2+,5-4+;
Key: CHHHXKFHOYLYRE-STWYSWDKSA-M
InChI=1/C6H8O2.K/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8;/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8);/q;+1/p-1/b3-2+,5-4+;
Key: CHHHXKFHOYLYRE-ZCSOUONQBI
SMILES: [K+].[O-]C(=O)C=CC=CC

Properties of Potassium Sorbate:
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless or slight characteristic odor
Taste: Slightly bitter or mild characteristic taste
Solubility: Freely soluble in water

Chemical formula: C6H7KO2
Molar mass: 150.218 g·mol−1
Appearance: White crystals
Odor: Yes
Density: 1.363 g/cm3
Melting point: 270 °C (518 °F; 543 K) decomposes
Solubility in water: 58.5 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility in other solvents:
Soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol
Slightly soluble in acetone
Very slightly soluble in chloroform, corn oil, ether
Insoluble in benzene

Boiling Point: 233°C
Melting Point: 270°C
pH: 2.0-6.5
Solubility: Highly soluble in water

Quality Segment: 500
agency: NF, BP, ChP, Ph. Eur.
reg. compliance: FCC
vapor pressure: <1 Pa ( 20 °C)
product line: EMPROVE® ESSENTIAL
form: powder, solid
autoignition temp.: >150 °C
pH: 8-11 (20 °C, 1400 g/L in H2O)
mp: >205 °C (decomposition)
solubility: 1.95-543 g/L
density: 1.36 g/cm3 at 23.5 °C
storage temp.: 15-25°C
SMILES string: [K+].[O-]C(=O)C=CC=CC
InChI: 1S/C6H8O2.K/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8;/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8);/q;+1/p-1/b3-2+,5-4+;
InChI key: CHHHXKFHOYLYRE-STWYSWDKSA-M

Names of Potassium Sorbate:

Preferred IUPAC name:
Potassium (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate

Other names:
E202
Sorbistat-K
Sorbistat potassium