What is Potassium Benzoate?
Potassium benzoate is a potassium salt of benzoic acid, widely used as a preservative in food and beverages. It inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold, thereby extending shelf life.
Production Process
Potassium benzoate is synthesized through the neutralization of benzoic acid with potassium hydroxide. The process includes:
- Neutralization: Benzoic acid reacts with potassium hydroxide to form potassium benzoate.
- Purification: The solution is filtered and purified to remove impurities.
- Drying & Packaging: The final product is dried into a powder or granules and packaged for industrial use.
Industrial Applications
Potassium benzoate is extensively used in various industries, including:
- Food Industry: Commonly used in carbonated beverages, fruit juices, and condiments as a preservative.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used in medicinal formulations to prevent microbial contamination.
- Cosmetics: Incorporated into skincare and personal care products for extended shelf life.
- Industrial Applications: Used in corrosion inhibitors and antifreeze formulations.
