Potassium benzoate
Agent Name
Potassium benzoate
CAS Number
582-25-2
Formula
C7-H6-O2.K
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Benzoic acid, potassium salt; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Organic Acids, Metal Salts
Description
White solid; [Reference #1] White powder; [Aldrich MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used as a preservative for pharmaceuticals; [ChemIDplus] Used as a preservative in non-alcoholic beverages; [OECD SIDS: Benzoates - 2001]
Comments
Quickly metabolized and excreted in urine; Dissociates in physiological conditions forming benzoic acid; Expected to be non-irritating to skin and mildly irritating to eyes, based on a closely related compound (sodium benzoate); Sodium benzoate is not sensitizing in animal studies, but has rarely produced non-immunological contact urticaria in human patch test studies; The benzoates give no evidence for carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, or developmental toxicity; [OECD SIDS: Benzoates - 2001] TLV Basis: kidney changes; [ACGIH] May cause irritation; [Aldrich MSDS]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
TLV (ACGIH)
2.5 mg/m3, inhalable particulate matter, measured as benzoate
Adverse Effects
Nephrotoxin
Yes
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Suspected
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.