kaliumbenzoaat
Kaliumbenzoaat is the potassium salt of benzoic acid. Its chemical formula is C7H5KO2. It appears as a white crystalline powder or granules and is readily soluble in water. Kaliumbenzoaat is primarily used as a food preservative, often listed as E212 on food labels. It functions by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria. Its effectiveness is pH-dependent, working best in acidic conditions.
The substance is synthesized by neutralizing benzoic acid with potassium hydroxide. It is commonly found in