Potassium Diacetate (CAS 4251-29-0) – Applications and Benefits
Potassium Diacetate is commonly used in the food industry due to its preservative and pH-regulating properties. As an antimicrobial agent, it helps to inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms and improve the shelf life of food products. It is also used in animal feed, pharmaceutical formulations, and personal care products.
Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula: C₄H₇KO₂
Molecular Weight: 138.2 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
CAS Number: 4251-29-0
Applications of Potassium Diacetate
1. Food Industry
Potassium Diacetate is primarily used in the food industry as a preservative and pH regulator, providing antimicrobial benefits that help extend the shelf life of food products.
Food Preservation: It inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and yeasts, ensuring the freshness and safety of food products like meats, sausages, cheeses, and processed foods.
pH Control: Potassium Diacetate regulates the pH of food products, especially in pickled and fermented foods, to maintain the desired acidity level for taste and preservation.
Dosage: Typical usage in food products is between 0.1% and 0.5% depending on the specific requirements for preservation and acidity regulation.
2. Animal Feed
Preservative for Feed: Potassium Diacetate is used in animal feed to control microbial growth, improving feed quality and maintaining animal health.
Feed Grade: It helps to extend the shelf life of feed, ensuring that the nutritional integrity of the feed is maintained, especially for poultry, livestock, and aquaculture.
3. Pharmaceutical Industry
Excipient: In the pharmaceutical industry, Potassium Diacetate can be used as an excipient in various formulations, helping to maintain pH levels and ensuring the stability of active ingredients.
4. Personal Care and Cosmetics
Preservative in Cosmetics: Potassium Diacetate is sometimes used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations, particularly in products that are water-based, to prevent microbial growth and maintain product safety.
Benefits of Potassium Diacetate
Feature | Application in Food Industry | Application in Feed Industry | Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics |
---|---|---|---|
Antimicrobial Action | Inhibits bacterial, yeast, and mold growth | Prevents microbial contamination in feed | Ensures product safety in water-based formulations |
pH Regulation | Maintains desired acidity in food products | Improves feed stability and quality | Balances pH in personal care products |
Shelf-Life Extension | Extends freshness and shelf life of food | Improves feed quality over time | Enhances the stability of active ingredients |
Conclusion
Potassium Diacetate is a versatile, safe, and effective food preservative, pH regulator, and antimicrobial agent with broad applications in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Its ability to extend shelf life, enhance safety, and regulate acidity makes it an indispensable ingredient in many commercial formulations.
If you are looking for high-quality Potassium Diacetate for food preservation or other industrial uses, please contact us for more details, sample requests, and bulk pricing options.