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Organic Acids

Potassium bitartrate

CAS: 868-14-4

Overview

Potassium bitartrate (CAS 868-14-4 ), commercially recognized as cream of tartar and listed as E336 , is a naturally derived acid salt produced as a byproduct of wine fermentation.

In food and personal care manufacturing, it functions as a leavening acid, buffering agent, and stabilizer across a broad range of formulations. In baking, it activates baking soda to provide controlled leavening.

This ingredient is essential for cakes, cookies, and baked mixes, while simultaneously stabilizing whipped egg whites and meringues against collapse. Confectionery manufacturers use it to prevent sugar crystallization.

By preventing crystallization in candies, frostings, and syrups, it improves texture consistency in finished products. Food processors rely on it as a pH buffer and tartrate source in processed vegetables.

It helps retain color and firmness during thermal treatment in various food applications. In personal care formulations, it functions as a mild acidulant and buffering agent in dental powders and skin-brightening preparations.

Potassium bitartrate is supplied as a fine white crystalline powder. Food-grade material conforming to FCC and E336 specifications is the standard commercial form for industrial use.

High purity USP and BP grades are available for pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Bulk supply is typical for industrial food processing, with smaller packaging available for specialty markets.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point267°C (dec.)
Boiling Point318°C[at 101 325 Pa]
Density1.984 g/cm³ @ Temp: 18 °C
Flash Point210°C
Appearancewhite crystalline powder
ColorColorless opaque or white
OdorOdorless
FormCrystals or Powder
Water SolubilitySoluble in water and dilute mineral acid. Insoluble in alcohol.
Vapor Pressure30.69hPa at 25.2℃
Refractive Index1.511
pH3.4-3.7 (H2O, 20℃)(saturated solution)
Log P-5.14

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29181300
Storage Class11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

potassium L-bitartrate | monopotassium L-tartrate | Faecula | Faecla | Acid potassium tartrate | POTASSIUM ACID TARTRATE | Potassium hydrogen tartrate | Monopotassium tartrate | E336

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Chemical Properties

CAS Number
868-14-4
EC Number
212-769-1
Mol. Weight
188.18
HS Code
29181300

Industries

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