Potassium Lactate Extra Pure
Potassium Lactate Extra Pure is a colorless to pale yellow, clear, viscous liquid known for its high purity and effectiveness as a buffering and humectant agent. It is widely used in food processing as a preservative and moisture-retaining compound, especially in meat and poultry products to enhance shelf life and flavor retention. In pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, it functions as a pH regulator and skin-conditioning agent due to its mild and non-irritating nature. Its extra pure grade ensures consistent performance and safety in sensitive formulations, making it suitable for laboratory, medical, and high-standard industrial uses.
Potassium Lactate Extra Pure
PRIMARY USES
- Food Industry (Preservative & Humectant):
- Used as a preservative in meat, poultry, and seafood products to inhibit microbial growth.
- Acts as a humectant, retaining moisture to extend shelf life and improve texture.
- Helps reduce sodium content in processed foods as a partial salt substitute.
- Buffering Agent:
- Used to stabilize pH levels in food products and pharmaceutical formulations.
- Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Formulations:
- Used in electrolyte replacement therapies and IV fluids as a source of potassium and alkalizing agents.
SECONDARY USES
- Cosmetic & Personal Care Products:
- Added as a skin-conditioning agent and pH adjuster in lotions, creams, and shampoos.
- Functions as a mild antimicrobial agent.
- Industrial Applications:
- Used in certain fermentation processes as a nutrient supplement for microbial cultures.
- May be used in biodegradable de-icing agents in some environmental applications.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Potassium Lactate
- CAS Number: 996-31-6
- HS Code: 2918.19.90
- Molecular Formula: C₃H₅KO₃
- Synonyms:
- Lactic acid, potassium salt
- Potassium 2-hydroxypropanoate
- E326 (as a food additive)
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid (commonly supplied as aqueous solution, ~60% concentration) or crystalline solid
- Color & Odor: Colorless to pale yellow liquid; mild, characteristic odor
- Boiling Point & Melting Point:
- Boiling Point: ~150–160 °C (for solution)
- Melting Point (anhydrous solid): ~39–42 °C
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~1.3–1.4 g/cm³ (60% solution)
- Solubility:
- Freely soluble in water
- Slightly soluble in ethanol
- pH Level: ~6.0–8.0 (for 10% solution)
- Vapor Pressure & Volatility: Low volatility
- Flash Point: Not flammable under normal conditions
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Moderate viscosity (depending on concentration)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS Classification):
- Generally not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- No occupational exposure limits established
- Reactivity:
- Stable under normal conditions
- Incompatible with strong acids and strong oxidizers
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in tightly closed containers
- Cool, dry, and well-ventilated area
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong oxidizing agents
- Strong acids
- Container Type:
- Plastic drums, HDPE bottles
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- 2 years (typical for solutions under proper storage)
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use gloves and goggles when handling bulk quantities
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Approved as a food additive (E326)
- Listed under REACH and TSCA
- Hazard Symbols (GHS Pictograms):
- None required for standard solutions
- Transportation Restrictions:
- Not classified as hazardous for transport
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Dispose in accordance with local environmental regulations
- Dilute before flushing if permitted by local codes
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Low environmental hazard; readily biodegradable
- Persistence in Environment:
- Decomposes to harmless substances in the environment
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability:
- Readily biodegradable
- Readily biodegradable
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Protective safety goggles
- Lab coat or chemical-resistant apron
- Nitrile or latex gloves
- Ensure adequate ventilation when handling in bulk
Handling:
- Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact
- Do not inhale vapors or mist
- Use in a well-ventilated area
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Storage:
- Store in a tightly closed container
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Protect from moisture, strong acids, and oxidizers
FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
- Move to fresh air
- Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms occur
Skin Contact:
- Wash with soap and plenty of water
- Remove contaminated clothing
- Seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact:
- Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes
- Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do
- Continue rinsing and seek medical attention
Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water
- Do not induce vomiting
- Drink water to dilute
- Get medical help immediately
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flammability:
- Non-flammable
Extinguishing Media:
- Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Hazardous Combustion Products:
- May produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and potassium oxides upon combustion
Firefighter Protection:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Prevent contaminated runoff from entering drains or water sources