Potassium sorbate

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, the molecular formula is C6H7O2K, white to light yellow scale-like crystals, crystal particles or crystal powder, odorless or slightly odorous, easy to absorb moisture and change color by oxidation and decomposition when exposed to the air for a long time.

It is often used as a preservative and destroys many enzyme systems by combining with the sulfhydryl groups of microbial enzyme systems. its toxicity is much lower than that of other preservatives and is now widely used in food. Potassium sorbate can fully play the role of anticorrosion in an acidic medium but has little antiseptic effect under neutral conditions. Potassium sorbate has been recommended as a safe and efficient food preservative by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It is also used in cosmetics, cigarettes, resins, spices, and rubber industries.