Potassium sorbate is a chemical compound that is widely used as a food preservative. It is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. Here are some common uses of potassium sorbate:

1. Food Preservation:
– Potassium sorbate is primarily used as a preservative in the food industry to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria. It is effective in extending the shelf life of various food products, including sauces, dressings, jams, and beverages.

2. Beverages:
– It is often used in the production of soft drinks, fruit juices, and wine to prevent the fermentation of sugars and the growth of microorganisms, ensuring the stability and freshness of the beverages.

3. Cheese and Dairy Products:
– Potassium sorbate is used in some cheese and dairy products to prevent the growth of spoilage microorganisms and enhance the product’s shelf life.

4. Bakery Products:
– In baked goods such as bread, cakes, and pastries, potassium sorbate can be used to inhibit the development of molds and extend the product’s freshness.

5. Dressings and Sauces:
– Salad dressings, mayonnaise, and various sauces often contain potassium sorbate to prevent the growth of yeasts and molds, maintaining the quality of the products.

6. Dried Fruits:
– Potassium sorbate is used as a preservative in the production of dried fruits to prevent spoilage during storage.

7. Pickled Products:
– It may be used in the pickling process for vegetables and fruits to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and extend the shelf life of the pickled products.

8. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
– Potassium sorbate is sometimes used in cosmetics, skin care products, and personal care items like lotions and creams as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds.

9. Wine and Brewing:
– In winemaking and brewing, potassium sorbate can be used to stabilize the product by preventing the re-fermentation of sugars after bottling.

10. Medicinal Products:
– It may be used in certain pharmaceutical and medicinal products to prevent the growth of microorganisms and maintain the stability of the formulations.

It’s important to note that potassium sorbate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with regulatory guidelines. It is an effective preservative at low concentrations and contributes to the safety and quality of many food and personal care products.

The chemical formula of potassium sorbate is C₆H₇O₂K. It is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. The molecular structure can be represented as follows:

O
|
H — C — C — C — C — C — K
|
O

In this structure:

– H represents hydrogen.
– C represents carbon.
– O represents oxygen.
– K represents potassium.

Potassium sorbate is commonly used as a food preservative to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria in various food and beverage products. It helps extend the shelf life of these products by preventing spoilage.