INTRODUCTION

Potassium benzoate (E212), the potassium salt of benzoic acid, is a food preservative used to prevent the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria. It works best in low-pH products, below 4.5, where it exists as benzoic acid.

MANUFACTURE

Potassium benzoate is produced by oxidizing toluene to benzoic acid followed by a neutralization with potassium hydroxide.

SynonymsBenzoic acid potassium salt
CAS no.582-25-2
EINECS no.209-481-3
Molecular formulaC7H5KO2
Molecular weight160.22
Structure

APPLICATIONS

Potassium Benzoate is used as a preservative in many packaged food products, cosmetics, fireworks, personal care products (i.e. shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers, and moisturizers) and more.
Also, used as a processing aid or additive (preservative, pH regulating agent, stabilizer) in the production of various commercial and industrial products, including plastics, pulp and paper products, water treatment products, coatings, inks and toners.

SPECIFICATIONS

TestUnitSpecification
DescriptionWhite granules, crystalline powder, or flakes
SolubilityOne g dissolves in 2 ml of water, in 75 ml of alcohol, and in 50 ml of 90% alcohol
Identification
A. AssayComplies
B. IRComplies
C. Positive for PotassiumComplies
Alkalinity as KOH%Max 0.06
Leadmg/kgMax 2.0
Water%Max 1.5
Purity (calculated on anhydrous basis)%99.0 – 101.0

PACKING

25 kg / 50 kg Fiber drum

STORAGE

Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place

CERTIFICATIONS

cGMP & KOSHER

REACH status

Not registered

No matter the quantity you need, our exceptional quality and service will make ExSyn your supplier of choice! If you need any additional information or SDS, please contact us.

More Products
In focus: N,N-Dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG Na)
Products in focus · 17/03/2026

N,N-Dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG Na) is the sodium salt form of N,N-dimethylglycine, a tertiary amino acid derivative is white to off white crystalline solid, freely soluble in water.

READ MORE
In focus: Blown Castor Oil (15-17 Poise)
Products in focus · 10/03/2026

Blown Castor Oil (15-17 Poise) is a modified grade of Castor oil. The “15-17 Poise” specification refers to its viscosity range, indicating a medium-viscosity blown oil suitable for industrial applications requiring improved body, tackiness, and elasticity compared to regular castor oil.

READ MORE
In focus: Dimethyl Amino Ethanol (DMAE)
Products in focus · 03/03/2026

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a is a tertiary amine that is ethanolamine having two N-methyl substituents. It is clear & colourless to pale yellow liquid with ammoniacal odor.  DMAE is stable at room temperature and is completely miscible with water as well as organic solvents such as alcohols and ethers. It decomposes at high temperatures. It is a versatile chemical intermediate primarily used as a curing agent for polyurethane foams and epoxy resins.

READ MORE
In focus: 1,4,7-Trimethyl-1,4,7-triazonane (Me₃TACN)
Products in focus · 24/02/2026

1,4,7-Trimethyl-1,4,7-triazonane (Me₃TACN) is a valuable macrocyclic tridentate ligand derived from 1,4,7-triazacyclononane. In Me₃TACN, each nitrogen atom is substituted with a methyl group, which significantly modifies its steric and electronic properties. Me₃TACN is widely used as a ligand in coordination chemistry due to its ability to form stable complexes with transition metals such as Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Zn.

READ MORE
In focus: Adenosine
Products in focus · 17/02/2026

Adenosine is a naturally occurring purine nucleoside composed of adenine and ribose, present in all living cells. It plays a vital role in biochemical processes such as energy transfer (ATP/ADP), signal transduction, and regulation of physiological functions, and is widely used in pharmaceutical applications.

READ MORE
In focus: Methyl-2- Methoxy-5-Sulfamoyl Benzoate
Products in focus · 10/02/2026

Methyl-2-Methoxy-5-Sulfamoyl Benzoate (MSMB) is a sulfur containing organic building block acting as a chemical intermediate. MSMB contains ester and sulfamoyl functional groups, which make it useful as a pharmaceutical and fine-chemical intermediate.

READ MORE
In focus: Imidazolidinyl Urea
Products in focus · 03/02/2026

Imidazolidinyl urea is a widely used antimicrobial preservative in the cosmetic and personal care industry. It is a formaldehyde-releasing compound that effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds, thereby extending the shelf life of formulations. Due to its broad-spectrum efficacy and cost-effectiveness, it is commonly used in rinse-off and leave-on products within regulated concentration limits.

READ MORE
In focus: 2-Cyanoethyl tetraisopropylphosphorodiamidite
Products in focus · 20/01/2026

Phosphorodiamidites are a unique class of phosphorus-based compounds characterized by one P–O bond and two P–N moieties. 2-Cyanoethyl tetraisopropylphosphorodiamidite plays a crucial role in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. Beyond their application as synthetic precursors for oligonucleotides, phosphorodiamidites have also been reported as valuable starting materials for the synthesis of industrially relevant polymers and flame-resistant materials, including adhesives, coatings, and laminates.

READ MORE
In focus: Ferric Maltol
Products in focus · 13/01/2026

Ferric maltol is an oral iron complex composed of ferric iron (Fe³⁺) chelated with maltol, designed to improve iron absorption while reducing common gastrointestinal side effects associated with traditional iron salts. It is primarily used in the management of iron deficiency with better tolerability.

READ MORE