Potassium sorbate

E 202

White odorless powder

Fixed

1.36 g · cm -3

270 ° C

Slightly soluble in water

Attention

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Potassium is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It is approved in the EU as a food additive with the E number 202.

Occurrence, extraction

In nature, potassium sorbate occurs in the unripe fruits of mountain ash. It is industrially synthesized in several steps.

Use

Potassium sorbate is used as a preservative for foods such as margarine, tartar sauce, mayonnaise, soy sauce, jam, olives, dates, wine, syrup, ice tea or diluted fruit juice. It is also used for the preservation of cosmetic products or tobacco.

Potassium sorbate is metabolized by the body as a fatty acid and is not harmful to healthy people. However, it may affect the natural taste of food.