The difference between potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate

Also a preservative: the difference between sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate

Difference 1: Different uses

Both additives are preservatives and can be used in food products, the main purpose of which is to extend the shelf life of the food.

Potassium sorbate

In addition to being added to food, it is also used in the feed processing industry. Many people may say that not only do people eat food with additives, but even animals eat it. It can also extend the shelf life of cosmetics, not only let people feel no wonder the shape of so young.

Men may gloat at the sight of this and be glad they don't wear make-up, but don't worry, none of them can escape because potassium sorbate is also used in cigarettes.

In addition to the above uses of potassium sorbate, it is also used in the fragrance, resin and rubber industries.

In short, potassium sorbate has a wide range of uses.

Sodium benzoate

Besides being used in food, it is also used in the manufacture of medicines and dyes. It is also used in a wide range of applications.

Difference 2: Different synthesis methods

Both are chemicals, but the names of the two preservatives show that they are very different.

Potassium sorbate is synthesised in two main ways.

One is through the reaction of butenal with acetone under certain conditions.

The other is through the reaction of butenal and vinyl ketone as raw materials, under specific process conditions, both methods of synthesising potassium sorbate.

Sodium benzoate, on the other hand, is synthesised by.

Toluene in the presence of a cobalt naphthenate catalyst, oxidation with air to first produce benzoic acid, then benzoic acid as raw material, neutralisation with sodium bicarbonate, decolourisation with activated carbon, and finally filtration, drying and crushing.

Difference 3: Different antiseptic effects

Sodium benzoate.

As a food additive, it has a relatively stable preservative effect when used in food, effectively preventing food deterioration and acidity, thus achieving a longer shelf life.

There are no requirements for the environment in which it is used, and it can be used effectively in any environment to extend the shelf life.

Potassium sorbate.

The preservative effect of potassium sorbate is very different from that of sodium benzoate. Potassium sorbate extends the shelf life of food by strongly inhibiting spoilage bacteria and moulds, while the preservative effect of potassium sorbate is influenced by the environment and is generally maximised in acidic media, while the preservative effect of potassium sorbate is less in neutral conditions.

Difference 4: Different safety

Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, which is better? In addition to comparing the antiseptic effects of the two, there is also a point of concern, which is safer for the two preservatives?

The answer is that potassium sorbate is less toxic than sodium benzoate, while potassium sorbate is more effective than sodium benzoate in terms of preservative, which means that potassium sorbate is more suitable as a preservative than sodium benzoate.