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| Catalog Number | CI-GU-0178 |
| Product Name | Sodium Sorbate |
| CAS | 7757-81-5 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | Sodium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate |
| IUPAC Name | sodium;(2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate |
| Molecular Weight | 134.11 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C6H7NaO2 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C6H8O2.Na/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8;/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8);/q;+1/p-1/b3-2+,5-4+ |
| InChI Key | LROWVYNUWKVTCU-STWYSWDKSA-M |
| Purity | 95% |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Appearance | Solid |
| Isomeric SMILES | C/C=C/C=C/C(=O)[O-].[Na+] |
Sodium sorbate, known chemically as 2,4-Hexadienoic Acid, Sodium Salt, serves as an effective preservative in various applications. In its most stable form, this substance is produced as an aqueous solution with concentrations up to 30%, appearing as a clear to yellow liquid that is nearly odorless. While sodium sorbate is commonly used as a food-grade preservative like its counterpart, potassium sorbate, its use in food within the European Union is restricted due to potential genotoxic effects associated with oral intake and concentration levels. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes it as generally safe (GRAS) when applied in compliance with good manufacturing or feeding practices. In the realm of personal care, sodium sorbate plays a crucial role in cosmetic and dermatological products, effectively inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, thus extending the shelf life and post-opening usability of these items.
What is Sodium Sorbate, and how is it commonly used?
Sodium Sorbate is the sodium salt of sorbic acid, typically appearing as a white powder. Due to its instability in the solid state, it is often used in an aqueous solution form, with concentrations up to 30%. This solution is a nearly odorless, clear to yellow liquid. Sodium Sorbate is primarily used as a food-grade preservative and is also suitable for personal care applications such as in cosmetics and dermatological products to combat bacteria, mold, and yeast.
Is Sodium Sorbate considered safe for use in food products?
The use of Sodium Sorbate as a food preservative is restricted within the European Union due to potential genotoxic effects associated with oral consumption and concentration levels. However, in the United States, the FDA has granted Sodium Sorbate a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status when it is used in accordance with proper manufacturing or feeding practices.
How does Sodium Sorbate function as a preservative in personal care products?
In cosmetic and dermatological preparations, Sodium Sorbate serves as an effective preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast. This extends the shelf-life of cosmetic products and prolongs the period they can be used after opening.
Why is Sodium Sorbate more commonly available as a solution rather than a solid?
Sodium Sorbate is relatively unstable in its solid form, which makes handling and storage challenging. To overcome this, it is produced and used in an aqueous solution, which is more stable and practical for supply and use in both the food and personal care industries.
Are there any limitations or concerns regarding the use of Sodium Sorbate in consumer products?
Beyond the limitations for use as a food preservative in the EU due to possible genotoxicity, there are no broad restrictions on its use in personal care products. However, manufacturers and consumers should always ensure Sodium Sorbate is used consistent with good manufacturing practices, taking note of recommended concentrations and applications.
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