Potassium lactate
[CAS# 996-31-6]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organometallic salt
• Name: Potassium lactate
• Synonyms: 2-Hydroxy-propanoic acid monopotassium salt
• Molecular Formula: C₃H₅KO₃
• Molecular Weight: 128.16
• CAS Registry Number: 996-31-6
• EC Number: 213-631-3
• SMILES: CC(C(=O)[O-])O.[K+]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H319--H331
• Safety Statements: P261-P264+P265-P271-P280-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P316-P321-P337+P317-P403+P233-P405-

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318

Discovery and Applications

The origins of potassium lactate can be linked to the exploration of lactate salts in the 19th century. Early research recognized that lactate salts could be used to enhance food preservation and safety. Potassium lactate is synthesized by neutralizing lactic acid with potassium hydroxide. The compound has the molecular formula C3H5KO3 and is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, slightly salty taste. Potassium lactate is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, enabling effective control of moisture levels in a variety of applications. Its solubility in water and ability to act as a buffer further enhance its usefulness.

Potassium lactate is widely used in the food industry for its antimicrobial properties. It helps inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella, thereby extending the shelf life of processed meats, poultry, and ready-to-eat foods. It helps retain moisture in food, preventing dryness and improving texture, which is particularly useful in meat and baked products. Its mild, salty taste can enhance flavor and is a functional ingredient in a variety of culinary applications.

In personal care, potassium lactate acts as a humectant in skin care formulations, helping to retain moisture and improve skin hydration. It is used in lotions, creams, and moisturizers to help make the skin smoother and softer. It is also used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics to ensure that the formulation is stable and safe for the skin.

Potassium lactate is used as a source of electrolytes in pharmaceutical formulations. It helps replenish potassium levels in patients with hypokalemia (low potassium levels), thereby maintaining normal cell function and overall health. Its buffering properties are very useful in pharmaceutical formulations, where pH control is critical for stability and efficacy.

In industrial applications, potassium lactate is used as an ingredient in de-icing solutions, effectively lowering the freezing point of water and helping to keep surfaces ice-free in cold conditions. It is also used in fermentation processes as a nutrient source for microorganisms, helping to produce a variety of fermented products.

Potassium lactate is becoming increasingly popular in the pet food industry for maintaining freshness and enhancing palatability. Its antimicrobial properties help ensure pet food safety and extend its shelf life. Current research is exploring its potential use as a fertilizer additive, providing a potassium source that can support plant growth and soil health.

References

2024. Facile Utilization of Carbon Dioxide for the Esterification of Potassium Lactate to Butyl Lactate. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 41(7).
DOI: 10.1007/s11814-024-00017-4

2023. Microbiological status of vegan ground meat products from German retail. Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, 18(4).
DOI: 10.1007/s00003-023-01461-w

2021. Effect of the addition of cheese powder and salt content on sensory profile, physicochemical properties and γ-glutamyl kokumi peptides content in dry fermented sausages. European Food Research and Technology, 247(8).
DOI: 10.1007/s00217-021-03769-z