1. Overview of Potassium Benzoate
Potassium benzoate (CAS 582-25-2) is the potassium salt of benzoic acid, widely used as an antimicrobial preservative in food, beverages, pharmaceutical formulations, and personal care products. It is especially valued as a low-sodium alternative to sodium benzoate in applications where sodium content needs to be reduced.
SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD supplies potassium benzoate with consistent quality suitable for food, pharmaceutical-related, and industrial applications, supporting stable and reliable production.
Basic Chemical Information
Chemical Name: Potassium Benzoate
CAS Number: 582-25-2
Molecular Formula: C₇H₅KO₂
Molecular Weight: 160.21g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Solubility: Freely soluble in water; soluble in ethanol
Melting Point: Approximately 120–125°C
pH (aqueous solution): Approximately 7.5–8.5
EINECS Number: 209-481-3
INS Number: 212
2. Food Grade Potassium Benzoate


2.1 Product Overview
Food-grade potassium benzoate (E212, FCC) is used as a preservative in a wide range of food and beverage applications. It complies with relevant food additive standards such as FCC, EU E212, and GB 1886.184.
It is commonly used as a low-sodium alternative to sodium benzoate and is suitable for acidic food systems.
2.2 Analytical Specification
|
Item |
Unit |
Standard |
|
Assay (on anhydrous basis) |
% |
≥ 99.0 |
|
Loss on Drying |
% |
≤ 1.5 |
|
Acidity or Alkalinity |
mL (0.1N) |
≤ 0.2 |
|
Heavy Metals (as Pb) |
% |
≤ 0.001 |
|
Arsenic (As) |
% |
≤ 0.0002 |
|
Chloride (Cl) |
% |
≤ 0.02 |
|
Appearance of Solution |
— |
Clear and colorless |
2.3 Mechanism and Applications
Antimicrobial Mechanism:In acidic conditions (pH below 4.5), potassium benzoate converts to benzoic acid, which can penetrate microbial cell membranes and inhibit microbial growth, thereby providing preservative effects.
Applications:Beverages, fruit juices, sauces, dressings, jams, pickles, and condiments.
3. Pharmaceutical-Related Applications
3.1 Product Overview
Potassium benzoate is used as a preservative in pharmaceutical formulations such as syrups, oral liquids, and topical preparations. Products intended for such applications require stricter control of purity, impurities, and microbiological parameters.
3.2 Analytical Specification
|
Item |
Unit |
Standard |
|
Assay (on anhydrous basis) |
% |
≥ 99.0 |
|
Loss on Drying |
% |
≤ 1.5 |
|
Acidity or Alkalinity |
mL (0.1N) |
≤ 0.2 |
|
Heavy Metals (as Pb) |
% |
≤ 0.001 |
|
Total Aerobic Microbial Count |
CFU/g |
≤ 100 |
|
Yeast and Mold |
CFU/g |
≤ 50 |
3.3 Mechanism and Applications
In acidic systems, potassium benzoate converts to benzoic acid, which inhibits microbial growth and supports preservation.
Applications:Oral liquids, syrups, topical formulations, and liquid pharmaceutical preparations.
4. Industrial Grade Potassium Benzoate
4.1 Product Overview
Industrial-grade potassium benzoate is used in large-scale applications where cost efficiency and stable performance are required.
4.2 Analytical Specification
|
Item |
Unit |
Standard |
|
Assay (on dried basis) |
% |
≥ 98.5 |
|
Loss on Drying |
% |
≤ 1.0 |
|
Free Alkali (as KOH) |
% |
≤ 0.1 |
|
Chlorides |
% |
≤ 0.05 |
|
Heavy Metals (as Pb) |
% |
≤ 0.002 |
4.3 Applications
Preservative in industrial formulations and water-based systems
Additive in antifreeze and cooling systems
Intermediate for benzoate derivatives
5. Packaging and Storage
Packaging: 25 kg bags or drums, customized packaging available
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area
Avoid moisture, direct sunlight, strong oxidizing agents, and heat
Keep container tightly closed
6. Supply and Technical Support
SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD provides:
Stable product quality and supply capability
Strict quality control on key parameters
Complete documentation (COA, SDS, test reports)
Technical support for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications
Flexible packaging and logistics solutions
Contact Us
Contact SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD now to get COA, free samples and the latest quotation.
Email: shirley@snowhitechem.com
Phone: +86-25-56215758
WhatsApp:+86-13776524331

