Potassium sodium tartrate
General Product Information
| Article | Potassium sodium tartrate |
| Synonyms | E337, Sodium potassium L(+)-tartrate tetrahydrate, Seignette’s salt, Rochelle salt |
| CAS No. | 6381-59-5 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 205-698-2 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29181300 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Potassium sodium tartrate is a double salt of potassium and sodium. It is widely used as an additive in the food industry, where it is known for its stabilizing and acid-regulating properties. Potassium sodium tartrate is mainly used in products such as fruit juices, wine, baking products and certain pharmaceutical preparations. It contributes to the texture, stability and shelf life of foods, as well as the regulation of acidity in various commercial applications.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: –
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
- Flavor: Mildly sour.
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | KNaC4H4O6 |
| Molar Weight | 226.19 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Approx. 150°C. |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | – |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Between 4.5 and 5 |
Applications
Potassium sodium tartrate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Potassium sodium tartrate as a food additive E337 used to regulate, for example, the acidity of food products such as fruit juices, soft drinks and wine. It is also used in the production of certain emulsions, such as mayonnaise or dressings, to improve stability. It contributes to the shelf life of some products by inhibiting the growth of unwanted microorganisms.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
In the Pharmaceutical Industry, potassium sodium tartrate is used in certain drugs, especially as an acidity regulator in oral and intravenous solutions.
3. Industrial Applications
It is also used in the water treatment industry and in chemical analyses, such as titrations, because of its solubility and chemical stability.
Interessing Links
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information on the safety and uses of food additives and ingredients.
- PubChem – Potassium Sodium Tartrate – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Potassium sodium tartrate