Description:
White or colorless crystals or crystalline powder (highly soluble in water) with a pungent, sulfurous odor, known as "wine guard", which is obtained by the reaction of sulfur dioxide with potassium hydroxide solution.

Applications:
It is primarily used as a preservative in the food industry, mostly as an additive to wine, where it acts as an inhibitor of the formation of wild microorganisms. Potassium metabisulfite is utilized as well in the production of beer as a stabilizer, but also as a neutralizer of chloramine added to tap water and as a preservative in lemon juice. This raw material also finds applications in cleaning winery equipment, but also in the textile industry, where it is used for dyeing cotton, and in the photographic industry, in developing photos.

E-number:
E 224

CAS:
16731-55-8

Molecular formula:
K₂S₂O₅

Molar mass:
222.33 g/mol

Description:
White granules or crystalline powder (highly soluble in water) without odor and taste, which is obtained by neutralizing sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. The main feature of potassium sorbate is the increase in product durability.

Applications:
It is primarily used as a preservative in the production of food and beverages, where it acts as an inhibitor of the formation of yeasts and molds in sauerkraut, margarine, mayonnaise, cheese, wine, yogurt, dried meats, apple cider vinegar, dehydrated fruit, and juices. Potassium sorbate is also utilized in bakeries for the same purpose.

E-number:
E 202

CAS:
24634-61-5

Molecular formula:
C₆H₇KO₂

Molar mass:
150.22 g/mol

Description:
White or colorless granules or crystalline powder (soluble in water) without odor or with a slight odor of resin and a sweet taste, which is obtained by the reaction of sodium hydroxide with benzoic acid.

Applications:
It is primarily used as a preservative in the production of carbonated drinks, fruit juices, jams, pickled vegetables, pickles and spices. Sodium benzoate is utilized as a preservative in the cosmetic industry and personal care products, but also in the automotive industry because it prevents corrosion.

E-number:
E 211

CAS:
532-32-1

Molecular formula:
C₇H₅O₂Na

Molar mass:
144.11 g/mol

Description:
White or colorless granules or crystalline powder (soluble in water) with an acetic odor and taste, which is obtained by the reaction of acetic acid and sodium carbonate.

Applications:
It is primarily used, due to its vinegary taste, as an addition to products such as chips, crackers and savory pastries. Sodium diacetate is also utilized to prevent the formation of mold and bacteria in stored grains.

E-number:
E 262

CAS:
126-96-5

Molecular formula:
C₄H₇NaO₄ * H₂O

Molar mass:
142.09 g/mol