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Potassium Benzoate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H5KO2
CAS number
582-25-2
IUPAC name
potassium;benzoate
State
State

At room temperature, potassium benzoate is in a solid state.

Melting point (Celsius)
300.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
573.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
780.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 053.00
General information
Molecular weight
160.21g/mol
Molar mass
160.2100g/mol
Density
1.5000g/cm3
Appearence

Potassium benzoate appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and noted for its effectiveness as a preservative in acidic foods.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Benzoate

Potassium benzoate, with the chemical formula C7H5KO2, is a well-known food preservative and exhibits particular solubility characteristics that are noteworthy:

  • Solubility in Water: Potassium benzoate is highly soluble in water. This property is largely attributed to its ionic nature, which allows it to dissociate into potassium ions (K+) and benzoate ions (C7H5O2-) when dissolved.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: Compared to its water solubility, potassium benzoate is less soluble in organic solvents. This makes it more suitable for aqueous applications rather than those requiring organic media.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility of potassium benzoate can increase with temperature, which is common for many salts. Therefore, it is often advantageous to dissolve it in warmer water for maximum solubility.

In conclusion, potassium benzoate’s excellent solubility in water makes it a valuable compound in both food preservation and various industrial applications. As stated in scientific literature, “the solubility properties of potassium benzoate are key to its efficacy as a preservative.”

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Potassium Benzoate

Potassium benzoate is an intriguing compound that is widely used across various industries, particularly in food preservation and pharmaceuticals. Here are some compelling points about this remarkable compound:

  • Preservation Power: Potassium benzoate serves as a potent preservative that helps inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria, making it valuable in prolonging the shelf life of acidic food products.
  • Natural Origins: It's derived from benzoic acid, which occurs naturally in fruits such as cranberries, plums, and prunes.
  • Regulatory Approval: The compound is recognized as safe by various health authorities, including the FDA, making it a preferred choice for many food manufacturers.
  • Applications Beyond Food: Aside from food preservation, potassium benzoate has applications in the pharmaceutical industry and is employed in certain soft drinks as a flavoring agent.
  • Chemical Behavior: In solution, it can act as a buffering agent, which helps in maintaining a stable pH level.
  • Cultural Impact: Its use has been extensively studied in the realm of food science, and it has sparked discussions around natural versus synthetic preservatives.

In conclusion, potassium benzoate epitomizes the intersection of chemistry and everyday life, showcasing how a simple compound can significantly influence food safety, flavor, and health.