Potassium benzoate 703788 225280452 2008-07-12T21:25:46Z 86.133.246.10 {{Chembox new |ImageFile=Potassium benzoate.png |ImageSize=200px |IUPACName=Potassium benzoate |OtherNames=Benzoic acid, potassium salt |Section1= {{Chembox Identifiers | CASNo=582-25-2 | PubChem=11399 | EINECS = 209-481-3 | SMILES=C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)[O-].[K+] }} |Section2= {{Chembox Properties | Formula=C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>5</sub>KO<sub>2</sub> | MolarMass=160.2117 | Appearance=White solid | Density= | MeltingPt= | BoilingPt= | Solubility= }} |Section3= {{Chembox Hazards | MainHazards= | FlashPt= | Autoignition= }} }} '''Potassium benzoate''', the potassium salt of [[benzoic acid]], is a food [[preservative]] that inhibits the growth of [[mold]], [[yeast]] and some [[bacterium|bacteria]]. It works best in low-[[pH]] products, below 4.5, where it exists as benzoic acid. Acidic foods and beverages such as [[fruit juice]] ([[citric acid]]), sparkling drinks ([[carbonic acid]]), [[soft drink]]s ([[phosphoric acid]]), and [[Pickling|pickles]] ([[vinegar]]) are preserved with potassium benzoate. Also used as the whistle in many fireworks, since it is stable. It is approved for use in most countries including [[Canada]], the [[United States|U.S.]], and the [[EU]], where it is designated by the [[E number]] E212. In the EU, it is not recommended for consumption by children.<ref>{{cite journal | author= Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Bindu Nair | title= Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate| journal=Int J Tox | year=2001 | issue= 20 (Suppl. 3) |pages=23–50 }}</ref> == Mechanism of food preservation== The [[mechanism of action|mechanism]] of food preservation begins with the absorption of benzoic acid into the cell. If the intracellular pH changes to 5 or lower, the [[fermentation (food)|anaerobic fermentation]] of [[glucose]] through [[phosphofructokinase]] is decreased by 95%.<ref>{{cite journal | author=Krebs HA, Wiggins D, Stubbs M | title= Studies on the mechanism of the antifungal action of benzoate | journal= Biochem J | year=1983 | issue=214 |pages=657–663 }} </ref> == Safety and health == {{main|benzene in soft drinks}} In combination with [[ascorbic acid]] (vitamin C), [[benzoate|sodium and potassium benzoate]] may form [[benzene]], a known [[carcinogen]]. Heat, light and shelf life can affect the rate at which benzene is formed. The [[Food and Drug Administration]] was performing tests in 2006, but the [[Environmental Working Group]] is calling for the FDA to publicly release all tests and use their authority to force companies to reformulate to avoid the potential benzene forming combination.<ref>[http://www.ewg.org/issues/toxics/20060404/index.php Press Release] from the Environmental Working Group</ref> Potassium Benzoate (or E212) was recently described by the Food Commission, who campaign for 'safer, healthier food in the UK', as "mildly irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes". <ref>[http://www.foodcomm.org.uk/press_07_additives.htm Published in The Food Magazine issue 77]from the Food Commission UK</ref> [[Cat]]s have a significantly lower tolerance to benzoic acid and its [[salts]] than [[rats]] and [[mouse|mice]].<ref>{{cite journal| author= Bedford PG, Clarke EG |title=Experimental benzoic acid poisoning in the cat|journal=Vet Rec |year=1972|pages=53–58|issue=90}} PMID 4672555</ref> ==References== <references/> [[Category:Benzoates]] [[Category:Potassium compounds]] [[Category:Preservatives]] [[Category:Food additives]] [[de:Kaliumbenzoat]] [[fr:Benzoate de potassium]] [[hu:Kálium-benzoát]] [[nl:Kaliumbenzoaat]] [[pt:Benzoato de potássio]]