HuagongsheHuagongshe Chemistry Print Report · For research reference only
Potassium Sorbate
e202 · POTASSIUM SARBATE · SORBIC ACID POTASSIUM SALT · POTASSIUM SORBATE GRANULES · (E,E)-hexadienoic acid, potassium salt · suanjia · FEMA 2921 · trans-trans-So
Identifiers & Physical Properties
| CAS No. | 24634-61-5 |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C6H7KO2 |
| Average molar mass | 150.22 g/mol |
| Monoisotopic mass | 150.00831095 g/mol |
| SMILES | C/C=C/C=C/C(=O)[O-].[K+] |
| InChIKey | CHHHXKFHOYLYRE-STWYSWDKSA-M |
| PubChem CID | 23676745 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2106930 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:77868 |
| EC No. | 246-376-1 |
| DTXSID | DTXSID7027835 |
Chemical & Physical Properties
| Topological polar surface area | 40.1 |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen bond donors | 0 |
| Hydrogen bond acceptors | 2 |
| Rotatable bonds | 2 |
| Heavy atoms | 9 |
| Formal charge | 0 |
| Complexity | 127 |
| Odor | Characteristic odorOdorless |
| Density | 1.363 at 25 °C/20 °C1,361 g/cm3 |
| Color/Form | White powderCrystalsWhite crystals or powder |
| Solubility | Solubility in water at 20 °C: 58.2%in alcohol: 6.5%Very soluble in waterSoluble in water at 25 °C58.5 g in 100 cc water at 25 °CFor more Solubility (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SORBATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.H2O: 1 M at 20 °C, clear, colorless to faintly yellow58.2 g/100 mL (20 ºC) |
| Decomposition | When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of K2O. |
| Melting point | 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) |
| Physical Description | LiquidCBIDry PowderOther SolidWhite crystalline powder showing no change in colour after heating for 90 minutes at 105 °CWhite solid[HSDB] |
| Other Experimental Properties | Crystalline solidodorless. Density: 1.36 at 23.5 °CVP: 0.001 PA at 20 °CWater solubility: 1.95-543 g/L at 20 °C and pH 4-7solubility in methanol: 78.2-80.1 mg/LSurface Tension: 72.6 mN/m at 1 g/L and 20 °CDissociation constant: 4.69 at 20 °CDissipation half-life (phototransformation in air): 5.16-5.232 hours |
| Vapor pressure | <1 Pa (20 °C) |
| FEMA | 2921 | POTASSIUM SORBATE |
| Storage conditions | 2-8°C |
| Physical state | Powder |
| pKa (acidity coefficient) | 4.69[at 20 ℃] |
| Color | White to light cream |
| PH Range | 8 - 11 at 580 g/l at 20 °C |
| pH | 7.8 (H2O, 20.1℃) |
| Merck | 14,7671 |
| BRN | 5357554 |
| Stability | Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
| Major applications | cleaning productscosmeticsfood and beveragespersonal care |
| Cosmetics Ingredients Functions | FRAGRANCEPRESERVATIVE |
| 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+ |
| InChIKey | CHHHXKFHOYLYRE-STWYSWDKSA-M |
| SMILES | [K+].C\C=C\C=C\C([O-])=O |
| LogP (partition coefficient) | -1.72 at 20℃ |
| SCOGS (Select Committee on GRAS Substances) | Potassium sorbate |
| Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) | POTASSIUM SORBATE |
| FDA 21 CFR | 182.3640182.90582.3640 |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 24634-61-5(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| FDA UNII | 1VPU26JZZ4 |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Potassium sorbate (24634-61-5) |
| UNSPSC Code | 41116107 |
| NACRES | NA.24 |
| GHS pictogram | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| GHS hazard statements | H319 |
| GHS precautionary statements | P305+P351+P338 |
| Personal protective equipment (PPE) | dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves |
| Hazard symbols | Xi,C,T,F |
| Risk statements (R) | 36/37/38-35-22 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36-45-36/37/39 |
| Water hazard class (WGK) | 1 |
| RTECS number | WG2170000 |
| Autoignition temperature | >150 °C |
| TSCA inventory status | TSCA listed |
| Customs code | 2916 19 95 |
| Storage class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| Hazard class | Eye Irrit. 2 |
| Toxicity | LD50 orally in Rabbit: 3800 mg/kg |
| REACH registrations | Active |
Safety & Regulations
| GHS classification | WarningH319: 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. |
|---|---|
| Regulatory information | 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) 2017/2068Status: Active Update: 27-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/11008 |
| Other safety information | IMAP assessments - 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt, (E,E)-: Human health tier I assessmentIMAP assessments - 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt, (E,E)-: Environment tier I assessment |
| Hazards summary | An eye irritantGenerally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in foods[HSDB] Oral LD50 (rat) = 4340 mg/kg[ChemIDplus] May cause irritation[MSDSonline] |
| FDA requirements | 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. |
| Special Reports | Cosmetic Ingredient ReviewFinal Report on the Safety Assessment of Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate. J Am Col Toxicol 7 (6): 837-80 (1988)Food & Drug Research Labs IncScientific Literature Reviews on Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Food Ingredients: Sorbic Acid DerivativesUS NTIS PB Report PBb-223 864: 92 pp (1973).Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments: 2005/2006. International Journal of Toxicology, 27(Suppl. 1): 77-142 (2008) |
| EPA Safer Chemical | Chemical: Potassium (E,E)-sorbateGreen circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern based on experimental and modeled data.Chemical: Potassium sorbate |
| FIFRA requirements | An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of potassium sorbate. |
| Toxic Combustion Products | Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides, potassium oxides. |
| Hazard Classes and Categories | 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 ClassifiedEye irritation - category 2 |
| Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities | Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents. |
| Fire fighting procedures | Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxideAdvice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary. |
| Storage conditions | 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. |
| Cleanup methods | 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. |
| Disposal methods | 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 scrubberContaminated 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 qualitypotential migration in air, soil or watereffects on animal, aquatic and plant lifeand 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. |
| Preventive Measures | 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. |
| Allowable Tolerances | An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of potassium sorbate. |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | 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). |
| Interactions | 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. |
| Toxicity summary | 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.orgIDENTIFICATION 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 Toxicity Excerpts | /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. |
| Artificial Pollution Sources | Potassium sorbate's production and use as a bacteriostat and preservative in meats, sausage casings, wine(1) and cosmetics(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). |
| Carcinogen Classification | No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). |
| Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts | /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. |
| Environmental Abiotic Degradation | 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. |
| Probable Routes of Human Exposure | 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). |
| Antidote and Emergency Treatment | /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/ |
| Non-Human Toxicity Values | LD50 Rats oral 4920 mg/kgLD50 Mice ip 1300 mg/kg |
| Personal protective equipment (PPE) | dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves |
| Water hazard class (WGK) | 1 |
| TSCA inventory status | TSCA listed |
| RTECS number | WG2170000 |
| Customs code | 2916 19 95 |
| Toxicity | LD50 orally in Rabbit: 3800 mg/kg |
| Risk statements (R) | 36/37/38-35-22 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| GHS pictogram | GHS07 |
| Hazard symbols | Xi,C,T,F |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36-45-36/37/39 |
| Storage class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| GHS hazard statements | H319 |
| REACH registrations | Active |
| Hazard class | Eye Irrit. 2 |
| Autoignition temperature | >150 °C |
| GHS precautionary statements | P305+P351+P338 |
Applications & Uses
Description
Potassium sorbate is a white crystalline powder. It is a potassium salt of sorbic acid.It was originally discovered in the 1850’s, and was derived from the Mountain Ash Tree. Today, potassium sorbate is synthetically created.Potassium sorbate is a good food preservatives, fully degradable, similar to fatty acids found naturally in foods. It is used to slow the growth of molds and yeasts in foods. It is commonly found in margarine, wines, cheeses, yogurts, soft drinks, and baked goods. Potassium sorbate has been used has a food preservative for many years. There have been extensive long-term tests that have confirmed its safety and it is on the Center for Science in the Public Interest list of safe additives.
Uses
Sorbic acid and its potassium salt is commonly employed as food preservative in wide range of foodstuffs, such as cheese, pickles, sauces and wines. Potassium sorbate is a food grade preservative generally regarded as safe (GRAS) worldwide. It is the inactive salt of sorbic acid. It readily dissolves in water where it converts to sorbic acid, its active form, at a low pH. Sorbic acid is very pH dependent. While it shows some activity up to pH 6 (about 6%), it is most active at pH 4.4 (70%). At pH 5.0 it is 37% active. As sorbic acid, it is considered to be active against mold, fair against yeast and poor against most bacteria. Sorbic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid and as such is subject to oxidation (use of an antioxidant like Mixed Tocopherols T50 is recommended). It is also sensitive to UV light and may turn yellow in solution. Gluconolactone is reported to stabilize potassium sorbate against discoloration and darkening in aqueous solutions and may be useful in stabilizing sorbic acid in the water phase of a product.
Uses
As mold and yeast inhibitor, like sorbic acid, especially where greater soly in water is desirable.
Uses
Potassium sorbate is used to inhibit molds and yeasts in many foods, such as cheese, wine, yogurt, dried meats, apple cider, soft drinks and fruit drinks, and baked goods. It 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, and is used in quantities at which there are no known adverse health effects, over short periods of time.Labeling of this preservative on ingredient statements reads as "potassium sorbate" and or "E202". Also, it is used in many personal care products to inhibit the development of microorganisms for shelf stability. Some manufacturers are using this preservative as a replacement for parabens. Also known as "wine stabilizer", potassium sorbate produces sorbic acid when added to wine. It serves two purposes. When active fermentation has ceased and the wine is racked for the final time after clearing, potassium sorbate will render 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.
Uses
Sorbic acid is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated fat that has antimicrobial properties. That means that it helps to prevent the growth of molds, yeasts, and fungus. Potassium sorbate is found in many food products, especially those which are meant to be stored and eaten at room temperature. This helps to ward off particles such as mold or fungus that can cause foods to spoil or make people sick. Baked goods, processed fruits and vegetables or dairy products frequently contain this product. When brewing wine, yeast is used to convert sugar to alcohol. This process is called fermentation. When the wine reaches the desired flavour and body, you want to stop the yeast from growing. Potassium sorbate is added to inhibit yeast growth.
General Description
Sorbates have been reported to be less toxic than benzoate and have been classified as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Sorbic acid is metabolised to mainly to carbon dioxide. While the minor amounts are converted to trans,trans-muconic acid (ttMA), which is excreted unchanged into the urine. Urinary ttMA is a biomarker for the occupational and environmental exposure to benzene. Ability of trans,trans-2,4-Hexadienoic acid potassium salt (Sorbic acid potassium salt, Potassium sorbate) to induce chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and gene mutations in cultured Chinese hamster V79 cells has been examined.Potassium sorbate is reported to be less genotoxic than the sodium salt analog.
Preparation & Synthesis
Preparation
Potassium sorbate is prepared by reacting potassium hydroxide with sorbic acid, followed by evaporation and crystallization:CH3CH=CHCH=CHCOOH + KOH →CH3CH=CHCH=CHCOOK + H2O.