Overview
Potassium benzoate (CAS 582-25-2 ), also known as E212 , is the potassium salt form of benzoic acid used as a broad-spectrum preservative across food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.
It inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, extending shelf life in acidic formulations where microbial control is critical. In food and beverage manufacturing, it is used to preserve acidic products.
Common applications include carbonated drinks, fruit juices, condiments, and pickled goods, where it is preferred over sodium benzoate for its lower sodium contribution to the final product formulation.
Cosmetic formulators incorporate it into rinse-off and leave-on products, including shampoos, lotions, and wipes, as a preservative active often in combination with other antimicrobials for efficacy.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a preservative in oral liquid formulations and topical preparations where pH conditions support its antimicrobial activity. It also functions as a buffering agent.
This material is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules. Standard grades include food-grade ( FCC ), pharmaceutical-grade ( USP / BP ), and technical-grade for industrial applications.
Packaging typically ranges from 25 kg bags to bulk quantities depending on grade and application requirements. It provides reliable stability and performance in formulations requiring mild pH stabilization.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | >300°C |
| Boiling Point | 450°C[at 101 325 Pa] |
| Density | 1.558 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Form | Solid |
| Water Solubility | 492g/L at 20℃ |
| Vapor Pressure | 0Pa at 25℃ |
| pH | pH(50g/l, 25℃) : 7.0~9.0 |
| Log P | -2.3 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation Precautionary Statements P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 2916310002 |
| Storage Class | 13 - Non Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 582-25-2
- EC Number
- 209-481-3
- Mol. Weight
- 160.21
- HS Code
- 2916310002
- Category
- Salts & Minerals