Potassium lactate is a compound with formula KC3H5O3. It is the potassium salt of lactic acid and appears as a clear, hygroscopic, syrupy liquid suspension that is typically 60% solids.[1] The substance can be concentrated to contain up to 78% solids.[2] It is produced by neutralizing lactic acid, which is fermented from a sugar source. It has E number E326.

Potassium lactate
Names
IUPAC name
Potassium 2-hydroxypropanoate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.012.392 Edit this at Wikidata
E number E326 (antioxidants, ...)
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C3H6O3.K/c1-2(4)3(5)6;/h2,4H,1H3,(H,5,6);/q;+1/p-1 checkY
    Key: PHZLMBHDXVLRIX-UHFFFAOYSA-M checkY
  • [K+].[O-]C(=O)C(O)C
Properties
C3H5KO3
Molar mass 128.168
Pharmacology
B05XA15 (WHO)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Uses

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Culinary uses

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Potassium lactate is commonly used in meat and poultry products to extend shelf life and increase food safety, as it has a broad antimicrobial action and is effective at inhibiting most spoilage and pathogenic bacteria.[3]

Fire fighting uses

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Potassium lactate is used as an extinguishing medium in First Alert Tundra fire extinguishers.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, and Potassium Lactate Handling/Processing" (PDF). USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  2. ^ PURASAL http://www.purac.com/EN/Food/Brands/Potassium_lactate.aspx Archived 2014-02-21 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Meat and Poultry. http://www.purac.com/EN/Food/ingredients/Meat_poultry_and_fish.aspx Archived 2012-11-03 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ MSDS for First Alert Tundra (MSDS 06-1753A), http://www.firstalert.com/site_content/85-home/952-tundra-fire-extinguishing-spray#downloads