Sodium diacetate

E 262b

Fixed

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search is not possible

Sodium diacetate is a white mixture of acetic acid and sodium acetate.

As a food additive it should contain 39-41 % 59-61 % acetic acid and sodium acetate.

Properties

In aqueous solution, sodium diacetate forms a buffer solution as a 1:1 mixture of acetic acid medium strong acid and weak base acetate. The adjusting to pH is 4.75. The buffer region the solution is in the pH range from 3.75 to 5.75. In this effect, the use of sodium diacetate as an acidity regulator in the food industry is based. A preservative effect is claimed.

Confusion as a substance / molecular formula

Because Sodium diacetate is a mixture rather than a substance, varies its " sum formula " depending on the composition. Correctly, no sum ​​formula should be specified. Its designation as a substance arises from decades of use of the term " sodium diacetate " within the meaning of an additive in the food industry. The name similarity with the ( true chemical ) substance " sodium bicarbonate " suggested that sodium diacetate also would be a substance, although it is a mixture. In the nomenclature of food additives so it was initially indiscriminate in E 262 " sodium acetates " out. Only recently has the E number E 262 are distinguished for sodium acetate and sodium diacetate for E 262b.

Use

Sodium diacetate food additive E 262 and E 262 b (ii). It is used as an acidity regulator and preservative for bread, among other things (see list of the food additives - E 262b ).

Production

It is produced by joining of 40 % acetic acid with 60 % sodium acetate.