Overview
Potassium sorbate is a potassium salt derived from sorbic acid, widely recognized for its preservative properties. It is commonly used in the food industry to extend shelf life by inhibiting the growth of molds, yeasts, and fungi. Due to its effectiveness and low toxicity, it is a preferred choice for preserving a variety of products, including dairy, baked goods, beverages, and processed foods. The compound is stable under normal conditions and dissolves easily in water, making it versatile for different applications. It is also used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to prevent microbial contamination. Potassium sorbate is approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EFSA for use in food and personal care products.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Potassium sorbate appears as a white crystalline powder with a slight odor. It has a molecular weight of 150.22 g/mol and a density of 1.36 g/cm³. The compound decomposes at approximately 270°C and does not have a distinct boiling point. Its high solubility in water (58.2 g/100 mL at 20°C) makes it easy to incorporate into aqueous solutions. Potassium sorbate is stable under normal storage conditions but may degrade when exposed to excessive heat or moisture. Its preservative action is most effective in acidic environments (pH below 6.5), where it can inhibit microbial growth efficiently.
Main Applications
Potassium sorbate is primarily used as a preservative in the food and beverage industry. It is added to products such as cheese, wine, yogurt, dried fruits, and baked goods to prevent spoilage. Its ability to inhibit mold and yeast growth makes it invaluable for extending the shelf life of perishable items. Beyond food, potassium sorbate is utilized in personal care products like shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics to prevent microbial contamination. It is also employed in pharmaceuticals to preserve liquid medications and topical formulations. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and safety profile make it a versatile ingredient across multiple industries.
Safety and Storage
Potassium sorbate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used within recommended limits. However, excessive consumption may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Proper handling includes wearing gloves and avoiding inhalation of dust. Storage conditions are critical to maintaining the compound's efficacy. It should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Sealed containers are recommended to prevent clumping or degradation. Bulk storage should be in a well-ventilated area to avoid humidity buildup, which can compromise quality.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring potassium sorbate for industrial use, buyers should prioritize food-grade certification to ensure compliance with safety standards. Verify the supplier's adherence to regional regulations, such as FDA or EFSA guidelines, depending on the market. Packaging options vary, with common choices including 25 kg bags or drums. Consider the required purity level (typically 98% or higher) and the intended application to select the appropriate grade. Price negotiations should account for bulk purchase discounts, but always balance cost with quality assurance. Request samples for testing before large-scale orders to confirm suitability for your specific needs.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：海藻糖、柠檬酸、黄原胶、山梨酸钾、氯化钙、薄荷脑、泊洛沙姆、聚乙烯醇PVA、聚山梨酯、碳酸氢钠、注射蛋黄卵磷脂、注射大豆油、甘油、倍他环糊精、海藻酸钠、聚丙烯酸钠、酒石酸、丙二醇、聚乙二醇、HS15、聚氧乙烯40氢化蓖麻油、山嵛酸甘油酯、羟丙甲纤维素、羟苯甲酯钠
- 主营：苯甲醇、三乙醇胺、甜菊糖苷、注射级海藻糖、注射级甘露醇、注射级木糖醇、磷酸氢二钾、注射级甘油、牛磺酸、醋酸钠、木糖醇、黄原胶、甘露醇、大豆油、薄荷脑、二甲硅油、卡波姆、枸橼酸、磷酸氢二钠、明胶、十六醇、十八醇、聚维酮k30
- 主营：海藻糖、甘油、泊洛沙姆、药用辅料、丙二醇、倍他环糊精、聚山梨酯80、聚乙二醇
- 主营：二氧化硅、微晶纤维素、羟丙甲纤维素、药用级聚维酮、药用级二氧化硅、注射级甘露醇、注射级甘油、注射级丙二醇、注射级磷酸氢二钠、注射级依地酸二钠、注射级苯甲醇、注射级海藻糖、注射级聚乙二醇400、注射级蔗糖、注射级乳糖、注射级大豆油、硬脂酸镁、木糖醇、中链甘油三酸酯、二甲基亚砜、无水碳酸钠、无水磷酸二氢钠
- 主营：硬脂酸镁、药用聚乙二醇、泊洛沙姆188、山梨酸钾、泊洛沙姆407、聚乙二醇—15羟基硬脂酸酯、巴斯夫进口蓖麻油聚烃氧酯EL35、巴斯夫聚氧乙烯氢化蓖麻油RH40、巴斯夫进口Soluplus、微晶纤维素、聚维酮k30、聚维酮k90、羧甲淀粉钠、低取代羟丙纤维素、羟丙纤维素、羟丙甲纤维素、乳糖、麦芽糊精、交联聚维酮、交联羧甲纤维素钠、海藻糖、甘羟铝、聚丙烯酸钠、卡波姆、亚什兰进口羟乙基纤维素
- 主营：甘油、丙二醇、聚山梨酯80、医药级山梨酸钾、二甲硅油、二甲基亚砜、苯甲酸苄酯、苯甲醇、泊洛沙姆、聚丙烯酸钠、海藻糖、大豆磷脂、黄原胶、羧甲基纤维素钠、依地酸二钠、海藻酸钠、醋酸氯己定、葡萄糖酸氯己定、聚乙烯醇、聚维酮k30、交联聚维酮、交联羧甲基纤维素钠、RH40
- 主营：甲基纤维素、卡波姆、聚维酮K30、甘油、丙二醇、药用蜂蜜、月桂氮卓酮、麦芽糖、三氯蔗糖、羟苯乙酯、羟苯丙酯、液状石蜡、固体石蜡、三乙醇胺、依地酸二钠、焦亚硫酸钠、苯扎溴铵、泊洛沙姆188/407、明胶、甜菊糖苷、注射用蔗糖
- 主营：薄荷脑、凡士林、聚乙二醇、卡波姆、甘油、明胶、蔗糖、丙二醇、蜂蜡、羟丙基倍他环糊精、聚维酮、聚丙烯酸树脂、海藻糖、石蜡、混合脂肪酸甘油脂
- 主营：增溶剂、聚乙二醇、泊洛沙姆、药用级、枝共聚物、微晶纤维素、聚醋酸乙烯酯、羟基硬脂酸酯、聚乙烯己内酰胺
- 主营：水杨酸、羧甲基纤维素钠、醋酸氯己定、枸橼酸钾、二甲基亚砜、三乙醇胺、二氧化钛、氧化锌、枸橼酸钠、氯化镁、磺胺嘧啶银、苯甲酸钠
- 主营：淀粉糖、阿力甜、抑甜剂、山梨酸钾、果冻粉、植脂末、结冷胶、酒石酸、酪蛋白、沙蒿胶、丙酸钠、安赛蜜、烟酰胺、牛磺酸、豆腐王、塔格糖、茶多酚、乳糖醇、氨基酸、琼脂粉、乳酸锌、海藻糖、虾青素、赖氨酸、黄芪胶、增稠剂
- 主营：丙二醇、聚乙烯醇、巴斯夫进口泊洛沙姆188、泊洛沙姆407、聚氧乙烯氢化蓖麻油、np700、甘油、乳糖、hs15、二甲基亚砜、聚维酮、凡士林、枸橼酸、磷酸二氢钠、高岭土、海藻糖、滑石粉、黄原胶、聚山梨酯、卡波姆、壳聚糖、明胶、三氯蔗糖、蓖麻油、酒石酸
- 主营：海藻酸钠、酪蛋白酸钠、氨基酸、工业级温轮胶、干酪素
- 主营：Soluplus、HS15、泊洛沙姆188、药用辅料山梨酸钾、RH40、EL35、泊洛沙姆407、海藻糖、甘露醇、大豆磷脂、聚乙烯醇、甘羟铝、聚丙烯酸钠、高岭土、羟苯甲酯、羟苯乙酯、透明质酸钠、氨丁三醇、苯甲酸苄酯、1.3丁二醇、二甲基亚砜、硬脂酸铝、枸橼酸三乙酯、中链甘油三酸酯
- 主营：甘露醇、糖精钠、水杨酸、山梨酸钾、樟脑、冰片、薄膜包衣粉、糊精、人工牛黄、醋酸氯己定、碳酸氢钠、氯化铵、二甲基亚砜、黄白凡士林、大豆卵磷脂、蛋黄卵磷脂、黄原胶、聚山梨酯80、葡萄糖、羟苯乙酯、氯化钠、碳酸钙、硫酸镁、升华硫