C6H5COOK
Potassium benzoate is the potassium salt of benzoic acid, with a chemical formula commonly written as C7H5KO2 or, in shorthand, C6H5COOK. It appears as a white crystalline powder and is soluble in water. In aqueous solution it dissociates into potassium ions and benzoate ions (C6H5COO−). The conjugate acid, benzoic acid, has a pKa of about 4.2, so in acidic environments benzoic acid forms and contributes antimicrobial activity, while at neutral pH the benzoate form predominates.
Preparation of potassium benzoate is achieved by neutralizing benzoic acid with potassium hydroxide. This process yields
Uses of potassium benzoate are primarily as a food preservative (designated as E212 in the European Union)
Safety and regulation: Potassium benzoate generally exhibits low acute toxicity and is regarded as safe for