Product Name: Potassium Sorbate
Chemical Name: Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
CAS Number: 24634-61-5
EC Number: 246-376-1
Intended Use: Food preservative, cosmetic and personal care ingredient, industrial additive
Manufacturer/Supplier: Supplier contact details typically found on packaging
Telephone for Emergency: Emergency numbers can be obtained through local authority or Poison Control Center
Synonyms: Sorbistat-K, Sorbistat, Sorbate de Potassium
Molecular Formula: C6H7KO2
Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Hazard Statements: May cause mild eye irritation, possible mild respiratory discomfort upon prolonged exposure to dust
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, avoid contact with eyes
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Itchiness, redness or mild irritation of eyes and skin, cough if inhaled
NFPA Ratings: Health: 1, Flammability: 0, Reactivity: 0
Main Component: Potassium Sorbate
Concentration: 99%-100% by weight
Impurities: Trace moisture or minor sodium salt residuals possible in some batches, negligible for most applications
Other Additives: No hazardous stabilizers or additives specified
Inhalation: Take person to fresh air, comfort and warmth; seek medical advice if symptoms persist (e.g., coughing, discomfort)
Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water, remove contaminated clothing; wash with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious; consult a physician if large amounts ingested or symptoms occur
Symptoms to Expect: Mild irritation in sensitive individuals or after heavy dust inhalation/exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Strong water jets
Special Hazards: Product does not ignite easily, may decompose and yield irritating fumes with prolonged fire exposure
Protection for Firefighters: Use standard protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus if needed for smoke or dust
Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, potassium compounds
Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, dust mask in case of significant spillage
Environmental Precautions: Avoid large releases to waterways, sweep up spills to prevent slipping or dust formation
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up, collect in appropriate containers for reuse or disposal; wash area with water to minimize dust formation
Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation, provide local exhaust in confined spaces; avoid direct contact with eyes or skin
Storage Conditions: Store cool, dry, and well-ventilated; shade from direct light; reseal containers properly after use
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids
Packaging Materials: Use sealed containers of plastic, paper, or lined drums to preserve integrity
Control Parameters: Workplace exposure limits not established by OSHA, ACGIH
Engineering Controls: Use general and local exhaust ventilation, especially for large-scale usage
Eye Protection: Safety goggles
Skin Protection: Gloves (PVC, nitrile or rubber), long sleeves if handling large quantities
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator for extended handling or in case of inadequate ventilation
General Hygiene: Wash hands before eating, after handling; avoid eating or drinking in work area
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Neutral to very faint
Odor Threshold: No data available
pH (20g/l water): 7–10
Melting Point: Decomposes above 270°C
Solubility in Water: 138 g/L at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable (< 140°C “non-flammable” by standard tests)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -1.01
Viscosity: Not applicable
Density: 1.363 g/cm³
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Molecular Formula: C6H7KO2
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of handling and storage
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, strong oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing materials
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, potassium compounds possible if burned or overheated
Polymerization: Hazardous polymerization does not occur
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): Approx. 4920 mg/kg
Irritation/Eye: May irritate eyes
Irritation/Skin: Mild or no irritation upon brief contact
Sensitization: Not known to cause skin sensitization in humans
Chronic Exposure: No evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity effects at typical exposure levels
Inhalation: Dust may cause respiratory tract irritation
Ingestion: Low acute toxicity, not considered hazardous by ingestion at standard concentrations
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to fish, Daphnia, and algae in standard lab tests
Persistence/Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate, log Kow -1.01
Mobility in Soil: Substance highly soluble, moves readily through soil and water
Other Environmental Precautions: Minimize spills to surface waters, improper disposal can encourage algal growth due to nutrient content
Waste Disposal: Collect and seal in approved containers, dispose according to local, regional and national regulations
Disposal of Packaging: Wash and reuse containers if possible, otherwise recycle or dispose in accordance with statutory requirements
Environmental Caution: Avoid significant discharges to surface water; avoid excessive soil accumulation
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous for transport by road, rail, air or sea
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels Required: No specific transport labels required
Special Precautions: Prevent large-scale dust formation during loading/unloading; secure packaging against rupture during transport
Global Inventories: Listed in EINECS, TSCA, DSL, AICS, ENCS, and other major chemical inventories
Regulatory Status: Approved as food additive (E202) by FDA, EFSA and JECFA; meets requirements for use in food and personal care under specific GMP
Risk Phrases: None assigned under current European CLP
Safety Phrases: Avoid dust formation, avoid eye/skin contact, wash thoroughly after handling
Other Regulations: No significant workplace exposure limits; no major restrictions in standard uses