Potassium sorbate
Category Belonging
Keywords
- Product Description
-
Potassium sorbate is one of the preservatives approved for use by the World Health Organization (WHO). It appears as white to pale yellow flaky crystals, crystalline granules, or powder—odorless or slightly odorous—and tends to absorb moisture and undergo oxidative degradation when exposed to air over time, leading to discoloration.
Potassium sorbate effectively inhibits the survival of molds, yeasts, and aerobic bacteria, while also preventing the growth and reproduction of harmful microorganisms such as Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella. However, it has minimal impact on beneficial microbes like anaerobic spore-forming bacteria and acidophilic lactobacilli. Notably, its inhibitory effect on microbial development is stronger than its bactericidal action, making it highly effective in extending food shelf life while preserving the original flavor and quality of the product. A 19% aqueous solution of potassium sorbate has a pH range of 7–9.
CAS No.: 24634-61-5
EINECS NO: 246-376-1
Molecular formula: C 6 H 7 KO 2
Structural formula:
Molecular weight: 150.22
Physicochemical specifications of potassium sorbate
Project
Metrics
Color and luster
White or off-white
Status
Powder or granules
Potassium sorbate, W/%
98-101
Dry matter reduction w/% ≤
1
Aldehyde (calculated as HCHO), w/% ≤
0.1
Chloride w/% ≤
0.018
Heavy metals (expressed as Pb), mg/kg ≤
10
Lead (Pb) / (mg/kg) ≤
2
Sulfate w/% ≤
0.038
Arsenic (As) mg/kg ≤
3
Clarity
Through experimentation
Free base
Through experimentation
Application areas
Potassium sorbate
Category Belonging
Keywords
Related Products