Potassium Sorbate

White powder

Crystals

White crystals or powder

Solubility in water at 20 °C: 58.2%; in alcohol: 6.5%

Very soluble in water

Soluble in water at 25 °C

58.5 g in 100 cc water at 25 °C

For more Solubility (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SORBATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

for sorbic acidMelting range of sorbic acid isolated by acidification and not recrystallised 133 °C to 135 °C after vacuum drying in a sulphuric acid desiccator

>270 °C (decomposes)

Liquid; CBI; Dry Powder

Liquid; Other Solid; Dry Powder

White crystalline powder showing no change in colour after heating for 90 minutes at 105 °C

White solid; [HSDB]

Crystalline solid; odorless. Density: 1.36 at 23.5 °C; VP: 0.001 PA at 20 °C; Water solubility: 1.95-543 g/L at 20 °C and pH 4-7; solubility in methanol: 78.2-80.1 mg/L; Surface Tension: 72.6 mN/m at 1 g/L and 20 °C; Dissociation constant: 4.69 at 20 °C; Dissipation half-life (phototransformation in air): 5.16-5.232 hours

Warning

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

P264+P265, P280, P305+P351+P338, and P337+P317 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 5.4% (90 of 1672) of reports.

Chemical: 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)-

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)

2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

2004/129/EC, Reg. (EU) 2017/2068

Status: Active Update: 27-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/11008

Potassium sorbate used as a chemical preservative in food for human consumption is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

Potassium sorbate used as a chemical preservative in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.

Substances migrating to food from paper and paperboard products used in food packaging that are generally recognized as safe for their intended use, within section 409 of the Act. Potassium sorbate is included on this list.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate. J Am Col Toxicol 7 (6): 837-80 (1988)

Food & Drug Research Labs Inc; Scientific Literature Reviews on Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Food Ingredients: Sorbic Acid Derivatives; US NTIS PB Report PBb-223 864: 92 pp (1973).

Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments: 2005/2006. International Journal of Toxicology, 27(Suppl. 1): 77-142 (2008)

Chemical: Potassium (E,E)-sorbate； Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern based on experimental and modeled data.

Chemical: Potassium sorbate； Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern based on experimental and modeled data.

Skin Irrit. 2 (64.4%)；Eye Irrit. 2 (94.1%)；STOT SE 3 (35.4%)

Skin Irrit. 2 (44.3%)；Eye Irrit. 2 (52.6%)；STOT SE 3 (10%)

Not Classified

Eye irritation - category 2

Eye Irrit. 2

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide

Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

Store in cool place. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.

...Potassium sorbate should be stored @ temp below 100 °F & should not be exposed to light or heat. Containers should be kept closed.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains.

Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. Normal measures for preventive fire protection.

Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Skin protection: Handle with gloves.

Body Protection: Impervious clothing. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

Respiratory protection: For nuisance exposures use type P95 (US) or type P1 (EU EN 143) particle respirator. For higher level protection use type OV/AG/P99 (US) or type ABEK-P2 (EU EN 143) respirator cartridges. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

The food additives sodium nitrite and potassium sorbate had cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on in vitro cultured V79 hamster cells and EUE human fibroblasts if administered in an acid environment (pH 4.95). The strong cytotoxic effect of sodium nitrite and that of the combined action of sodium nitrite and potassium sorbate was observed along the inhibition of macromolecular synthesis. In this respect, potassium sorbate was less effective. The decreased plating efficiency of the cells and the inhibition of de novo DNA synthesis induced by these substances aroused the question whether they also have genotoxic effects on V79 cells. Statistical analyses showed that sodium nitrite induced more 6-TG-resistant (6-TGr) mutants as compared to the untreated control. However, this elevation did not correspond to the level of inhibition of DNA synthesis determined during the followed period of time after the removal of the substance. Potassium sorbate and a combination thereof with sodium nitrite, in our experiments, had no mutagenic effects.

Although potassium sorbate (PS), ascorbic acid and ferric or ferrous salts (Fe-salts) are used widely in combination as food additives, the strong reactivity of PS and oxidative potency of ascorbic acid in the presence of Fe-salts might form toxic compounds in food during its deposit and distribution. In the present paper, the reaction mixture of PS, ascorbic acid and Fe-salts was evaluated for mutagenicity and DNA-damaging activity by means of the Ames test and rec-assay. Effective lethality was observed in the rec-assay. No mutagenicity was induced in either Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 (with or without S-9 mix) or TA100 (with S-9 mix). In contrast, a dose-dependent mutagenic effect was obtained when applied to strain TA100 without S-9 mix. The mutagenic activity became stronger increasing with the reaction period. Furthermore, the reaction products obtained in a nitrogen atmosphere did not show any mutagenic and DNA-damaging activity. PS, ascorbic acid and Fe-salts were inactive when they were used separately. Omission of one component from the mixture of PS, ascorbic acid and Fe-salt turned the reaction system inactive. These results demonstrate that ascorbic acid and Fe-salt oxidized PS and the oxidative products caused mutagenicity and DNA-damaging activity.

Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Potassium sorbate forms white crystals or powder with characteristic odor. It is used as preservative and antimicrobial agent for foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It has been also used as medication. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Formulations containing up to 0.5% sorbic acid and/or potassium sorbate were not significant primary or cumulative irritants and not sensitizers at this test concentration. In humans, a few cases of idiosyncratic intolerances have been reported (non-immunological contact urticaria and pseudo-allergy). ANIMAL STUDIES: Potassium sorbate was practically nontoxic to rats and mice in acute oral toxicity studies. Potassium sorbate at concentrations up to 10% was practically nonirritating to the rabbit's eye. Potassium sorbate have been tested for mutagenic effects using the Ames test, genetic recombination tests, reversion assays, rec assays, tests for chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, and gene mutations. Results have been both positive and negative. Potassium sorbate at 0.1% in the diet or 0.3% in drinking water of rats for up to 100 weeks produced no neoplasms. No teratogenic effects have been observed in pregnant mice and rats administered potassium sorbate.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ In three repeat insult patch tests using a total of 478 subjects, sorbic acid had overall sensitization rates of 0, 0.33, and 0.8%. All the subjects sensitized were inducted with 20% sorbic acid and challenged with 5% sorbic acid. Formulations containing up to 0.5% sorbic acid or 0.15% potassium sorbate were not cumulative irritants or were very mild cumulative irritants. They were not primary irritants and were not sensitizers.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ An RIPT was conducted using 56 panelists and a facial scrub containing 0.1% potassium sorbate. The formulation was diluted 1 :I00 by weight with distilled water for the study. Eight 24 hr semiocclusive induction patches were applied over a 2 week period to the lateral upper arm of each subject. Reactions were scored at patch removal. After an approximately 2 week rest period, a 24 hr semiocclusive challenge patch was applied to a previously untreated site. Reactions to the challenge patch were graded at patch removal and 24 and 48 hr later. Two slight, transient, questionable erythema reactions were observed during induction. No other reactions were observed during induction or challenge. The facial scrub did not induce dermal irritation or sensitization.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The skin irritation and sensitization potential of a facial scrub containing 0.1% potassium sorbate was evaluated in an RIPT with 47 panelists. The formulation was diluted 1 :I00 in distilled water. Eight 24 hr semiocclusive induction patches were applied to the lateral aspect of the upper arms of the subjects over a 2 week period, and reactions were scored on a scale of O-5 at patch removal. After a 2 week rest period, a 24 hr semiocclusive challenge patch was applied, and reactions were scored at patch removal and 24 and 48 hr later. No reactions greater than 2 (moderate erythema) were observed during the induction period, and no reactions at challenge were indicative of sensitization.

/CASE REPORTS/ Occupational contact dermatitis from potassium sorbate in milk transformation plant /described/.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SORBATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Sorbic acid (in petrolatum) and potassium sorbate (as aqueous solution) at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10% were practically nonirritating and nonirritating, respectively, to the rabbit eye. Formulations containing 0.1% sorbic acid or 0.15% potassium sorbate were nonirritating to the rabbit eye.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ A 1% aqueous potassium sorbate solution was practically nonirritating to rabbit skin.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ The preservatives benzalkonium chloride (BZC) and potassium sorbate (PS) are widely used, not only for nasal drops, but also for eyedrops and cosmetics. However, there have been many case reports that consider lesions such as dermatitis or conjunctivitis to be the results of irritation induced by BZC or PS. We evaluated the histological changes after the long-term administration of BZC or PS on rat nasal respiratory mucosa. Forty rats were used for the BZC group and 40 rats for PS group. Animals in each group were divided into four subgroups The first subgroup received a low-concentration preservative solution that was commonly used for nasal sprays. The second subgroup received a high-concentration preservative solution that was reported to induce dermatitis in humans. The third and fourth subgroups received a steroid mixed preservative solution of low and high concentrations, respectively. The control group was administrated normal saline. After each group received 1, 2, and 4 weeks of topical administration, the symptomatic and histological changes on hemotoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain were observed. Sneezing and nasal rubbing with forelegs were observed in almost all subgroups by the seventh day of treatment. The preservatives induced nasal lesions, including intraepithelial glandular formation, inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular hyperplasia, and edematous change. The symptomatic and histological changes were pronounced with the prolonged duration of administration. Similar results were observed in the steroid mixed-solution groups. In the PS steroid mixed-solution group, however, symptoms and nasal lesions were reduced with the prolonged duration of administration. It is our finding that even a low-concentration solution of preservative can lead to nasal lesion. Hence there is a strong need to develop both a preservative that can be safely and widely used and a nasal spray without preservatives.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ The oral administration of potassium sorbate as 0.1% of the diet or 0.3% of the drinking water for up to 100 weeks produced no neoplasms in rats. No carcinogenic effect was demonstrated by sorbic acid in rats or mice fed diets containing up to 10% sorbic acid for periods of 2 years and 80 weeks, respectively. A diet containing up to 15% sorbic acid has been reported to have a carcinogenic effect in the liver of mice after 88 weeks' administration.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SORBATE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The stability of potassium sorbate is strongly dependent on its water content, which must be kept below 0.5%. At room temperature about 140 g of potassium sorbate can be dissolved in 100 mL of water. ... Potassium sorbate is resistant to air oxidation ... although the stability in the solid state depends on purity.

According to the 2012 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 23 reporting facilities estimate the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed during the manufacturing, processing, or use of potassium sorbate in the United States may be considered as confidential business information (CBI) or unknown values(1).

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/

/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/

/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/

LD50 Rats oral 4920 mg/kg

LD50 Mice ip 1300 mg/kg

Chemical: 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)-

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)

2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

2004/129/EC, Reg. (EU) 2017/2068

Status: Active Update: 27-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/11008

Potassium sorbate used as a chemical preservative in food for human consumption is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

Potassium sorbate used as a chemical preservative in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.

Substances migrating to food from paper and paperboard products used in food packaging that are generally recognized as safe for their intended use, within section 409 of the Act. Potassium sorbate is included on this list.

The results of metabolic studies were that sorbic acid was qualitatively metabolized in the same manner as the saturated or singly unsaturated fatty acids of the same C-atom number. Under normal conditions, sorbic acid was almost completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. /Sorbic acid/

CIR ingredient: Potassium Sorbate

Used as mold and yeast inhibitor and preservative/antioxidant for food; [HSDB]

For potassiuim sorbate (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 075902) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

Reported uses (ppm):；Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#3014]

Bacteriostat and preservative in meats, sausage casings, wine, etc.

Preservative and antimicrobial agent for foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. To improve the characteristics of drying oils. In alkyd type coatings to improve gloss. To improve milling characteristics of cold rubber. /Sorbic acid/

2023: 1,000,000 - <2,500,000 lb；2022: 1,000,000 - <2,500,000 lb；2021: 1,000,000 - <2,500,000 lb；2020: 1,000,000 - <2,500,000 lb

2023: 422,385 lb；2022: 300,675 lb；2021: 283,845 lb；2020: 273,206 lb

Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt. National Production Volume: 100,000 - 500,000 lb/yr.

Preservative；Soil amendments (fertilizers)；Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable

Preservative；Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable

Soil amendments (fertilizers)；Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable；Preservative

Preservative；Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable

Preparation: O. Probst, H. Oehme, United States of America patent 3173948 (1965 to Hoechst).

Sorbic acid is reacted with an equimolar portion of KOH. The resulting potassium sorbate may be crystallized from aqueous ethanol.

It is sold commercially as a white powder and in granulated form.

Grades: Technical, FCC /Food Chemical Codex/

Information on 39 consumer products that contain Potassium Sorbate [USAN] in the following categories is provided:；• Inside the Home；• Personal Care；• Pesticides；• Pet Care

Information on 241 consumer products that contain Potassium sorbate in the following categories is provided:；• Commercial / Institutional；• Inside the Home；• Personal Care；• Pesticides；• Pet Care

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Preservatives and Antioxidants

Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Preservatives and Antioxidants

Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern

Food additives

Fragrance Ingredients

Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable；Food, beverage, and tobacco product manufacturing；Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing；Wholesale and Retail Trade

Food, beverage, and tobacco product manufacturing；Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable

2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1): ACTIVE

2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)-: ACTIVE

Because of their physiological inertness, their effectiveness even in the weakly acid pH range and their neutral taste, sorbic acid and its salts have become the leading preservatives in the food sector throughout the world over the past 30 years. The most commonly used products are sorbic acid itself (E200) and potassium sorbate (E202). In many countries sodium sorbate (E201) and calcium sorbate (E203) are also permitted. Sorbic acid is sparingly soluble in water, sodium sorbate has better solubility, and potassium sorbate is very freely soluble and can be used to produce 50% stock solutions. The soluble sorbates are preferred when it is desired to use the preservative in liquid form, or when aqueous systems are to be preserved. Sodium sorbate in solid form is unstable and very rapidly undergoes oxidation on exposure to atmospheric oxygen. It is therefore not produced on the industrial scale. Aqueous solutions of sodium sorbate remain stable for some time. Calcium sorbate is used in the manufacture of fungistatic wrappers because it is highly stable to oxidation, but this use is very limited. Sorbic acid and sorbates can be directly added into the product. The products can be dipped or sprayed with aqueous solutions of sorbates. Dusting of food with dry sorbic acid is also possible but less recommended because sorbic acid irritates the skin and mucous membranes. Sorbic acid and particularly calcium sorbate can be used as active substances in fungistatic wrappers.

Classified as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS)