Potassium benzoate

E 212

White to off-white solid

Fixed

> 300 ° C

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Potassium benzoate is the potassium salt of the benzoic acid. It is approved as a food additive E 212.

Effect

Potassium benzoate is bacteriostatic and fungistatic and is therefore used as a food additive (E 212) to preserve food ( activity optimum at pH <3.6 ). The treated food remains is preserved by constant over a longer period. Potassium benzoate is only suitable for the preservation of acidic or acidified product. It protects against mold, yeasts, unwanted secondary fermentation and in combination with sulfur dioxide also from bacterial spoilage. Less effective it is against lactic acid bacteria and several pathogens.

Use

For potassium Kaliumterephthalat can in a Henkel reaction by thermal catalytic disproportionation, with the addition of carbon dioxide, are synthesized:

As a byproduct benzene.

Alternatively, potassium benzoate can be used as a preservative in the following foods:

Mayonnaise, marinades, pre-packed salads, pie fillings, margarine, fruit juices, tea liquid concentrates, jellies, jams, pickled in vinegar, oil or brine vegetables, fish products, unheated milk products, chewing gum, mustard, condiments, diet food, and flavored mineral waters.

It is also used as a lubricant in the preparation of tablets and as a corrosion inhibitor for water-carrying systems.

Compatibility

Potassium can cause allergies and hives. Especially people with asthma, hay fever or skin allergies are sensitive to this additive. Especially allergy sufferers who are sensitive to aspirin should avoid potassium benzoate. Combinations with the preservative sulfur dioxide ( E 220 ), sodium sulfite (E 221), sodium (E 222), sodium ( E223 ), potassium ( E 224 ), potassium (E 225), calcium (E 226), Calciumhydrogensulfit (E 227 ) and azo dyes exacerbate the negative effects.