Potassium Acetate KAc Acetic acid potassium salt CAS 127-08-2

Tree Chem Potassium Acetate (KAc) is produced through a neutralization process between acetic acid and potassium carbonate or hydroxide, followed by controlled crystallization and drying. The resulting product offers high assay, excellent solubility, and low moisture content, making it suitable for use in pharmaceutical formulations, buffer solutions, antifreeze fluids, and catalyst systems.

We manufacture and supply potassium acetate globally, providing consistent purity, stable physical characteristics, and full documentation support for various industrial sectors. Contact info@cntreechem.com for technical details or quotations.

Specification

Basic Information

Technical Specification

Applications

Food Industry

Food Additive Functions

• Potassium Acetate acts as an acidity regulator, preservative, and nutrient fortifier in food production. Its weakly alkaline aqueous solution (pH 7.5–9.0) makes it particularly suitable for bakery products, meat processing, and condiments that require a mild buffer system. As an acidity regulator, it balances the pH of fermented products, improving flavor and texture stability.
• As a preservative, it reduces water activity and interferes with microbial enzyme systems, effectively inhibiting spoilage bacteria and extending shelf life. When used as a nutritional fortifier, it serves as a potassium source that replaces sodium in low-sodium foods, improving dietary electrolyte balance while maintaining taste. Food-grade material normally exceeds 99 % purity and complies with international FAO/WHO and GB 2760 standards.

Application in Meat Products

• In meat processing, Potassium Acetate provides preservation, flavor enhancement, and water-retention benefits. At 0.1 – 0.3 %, it inhibits Gram-negative bacterial growth and prevents nitrosamine formation compared with nitrite systems. In sausages and hams, 0.2 – 0.5 % dosage enhances savory taste and juiciness while maintaining color stability.
• Its hygroscopic nature keeps moisture within the matrix, improving tenderness and storage stability during chilled distribution.

Application in Baked Goods

• Potassium Acetate participates in composite leavening systems with sodium bicarbonate and potassium bitartrate. It moderates gas-release rate for uniform crumb structure and improved loaf volume. At 0.1 – 0.3 % of flour weight, it neutralizes lactic acid in fermented doughs and optimizes yeast activity. In cakes, 0.2 – 0.5 % use yields softer texture, richer color, and longer shelf life.

Application in Condiments

• During soy-sauce fermentation, 0.1 – 0.3 % Potassium Acetate maintains pH stability and accelerates beneficial-microbe growth. In vinegar manufacture, it buffers acidity to avoid over-fermentation and off-flavor formation. In compound seasonings such as bouillon and MSG blends, it adds potassium nutrition and enhances umami taste.

Pharmaceutical Industry

pH Regulator and Buffer

• Potassium Acetate is widely used as a pH adjuster in injections, oral liquids, and topical formulations. In injectable systems, it forms acetate–acetate-potassium buffer solutions (0.05 – 0.2 M) maintaining pH 4.5 – 5.5, ensuring active-ingredient stability. In oral syrups, it moderates acidity and prevents hydrolysis of acid-sensitive vitamins. For creams and ointments, it tunes base pH to improve drug penetration through the skin.

Electrolyte Supplement

• It provides potassium ions to correct hypokalemia and maintain electrolyte balance. Typical oral or injectable dosages range 20 – 100 mEq per day. In peritoneal-dialysis fluids, 2.5 – 4.0 mEq/L potassium is introduced as Potassium Acetate to avoid acidosis and sustain osmotic equilibrium. Compound electrolyte injections include 6 g NaCl, 0.3 g KCl, 0.2 g Potassium Acetate, 0.3 g MgCl₂, and 50 g glucose per liter to replace lost fluids.

Pharmaceutical Synthesis Applications

• Potassium Acetate acts as a neutralizing and acylating reagent in drug manufacturing. It is indispensable in Penicillin Potassium Salt production, precipitating the potassium salt from fermentation broth for efficient purification. It also supplies the acetate moiety in steroidal hormones such as cortisone acetate and prednisolone acetate, and aids in forming stable potassium salts of acidic active compounds, improving solubility and bioavailability.

Agricultural Industry

Organic Potassium Fertilizer

• As a chloride-free, fully water-soluble potassium fertilizer, Potassium Acetate provides high bioavailability and low salinity. It suits chlorine-sensitive crops and high-value fruits and vegetables.
• For fruit trees such as grapes, citrus, and apples, foliar sprays of 0.2 – 0.5 % enhance sweetness, color, and firmness. In tomatoes and cucumbers, 5 – 8 kg per mu as top-dressing improves fruit size and quality. For tobacco, it raises burn quality and aroma. In tea, it increases amino-acid content and taste. It also helps adjust soil pH and promotes microbial activity.

Soil Conditioner

• Potassium Acetate neutralizes soil acidity and promotes aggregate structure formation. It improves aeration, moisture retention, and microbial metabolism. Its mild alkalinity supports red-soil remediation in southern China. By complexing with heavy-metal ions, it reduces their bio-availability and mitigates plant uptake, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Agrochemical Formulations

• It functions as co-solvent, stabilizer, and pH buffer in pesticide formulations. In emulsifiable concentrates, 0.5 – 2 % use enhances solubility of active ingredients. In suspension concentrates, 0.1 – 0.5 % addition stabilizes the dispersion and prevents degradation. In aqueous solutions, it maintains pH stability and inhibits crystallization during storage.

Chemical Industry

Catalyst and Promoter

• Potassium Acetate serves as catalyst in polyurethane trimerization, trans-esterification, and condensation reactions. In polyurethane rigid-foam systems, 0.01 – 0.1 % use accelerates gelation and shortens demolding time, often in combination with tertiary-amine catalysts. In PET polyester production, it boosts ester-exchange efficiency and polymer molecular weight. It is also effective for aldol condensation, alkylation, decarboxylation, and Beckmann rearrangement reactions.

Surface Treatment Agent

• As a mild alkaline cleaner, 5 – 10 % Potassium Acetate solutions remove oils and rust without corroding metals. In electroplating, it buffers plating-bath pH and improves deposit uniformity and brightness. In electroless plating, it acts as complexing agent controlling metal-ion reduction rates. In cooling-water systems, 50 – 100 ppm use prevents corrosion by forming protective films on metal surfaces.

Dye and Pigment Industry

• Potassium Acetate assists as dispersant and pH buffer in dye synthesis and application. It prevents particle aggregation during grinding and stabilizes reactive-dye baths at pH 10 – 11 for consistent coloration. Treating pigment surfaces with Potassium Acetate solutions enhances hydrophilicity and dispersion in aqueous systems.

Water Treatment Applications

• In circulating-water systems, 50 – 200 ppm Potassium Acetate used with zinc salts and polyphosphates provides synergistic corrosion inhibition. In boilers, it prevents scale formation and reduces chemical cleaning frequency. In wastewater denitrification, it serves as readily biodegradable carbon source for microbial activity, improving nitrogen removal efficiency.

Other Applications

Battery Electrolyte Additive

• Potassium Acetate improves ionic conductivity, low-temperature performance, and cycle stability of lithium-, sodium-, and potassium-ion batteries. At 0.1 – 2 % dosage in electrolyte solutions, it reduces gas generation and enhances safety. In polymer solid electrolytes, it forms ion-conduction channels within PEO matrices.

Eco-Friendly De-Icer

• Potassium Acetate is widely used as a biodegradable, low-corrosion de-icing agent. A 25 % solution has a freezing point near –15 °C and remains effective to –30 °C. It is non-toxic to vegetation and minimizes metal corrosion. Typical formulations contain 40 % Potassium Acetate, 30 % NaCl, 20 % CaCl₂, and additives for dispersion and anti-corrosion.

Tobacco Industry

• Potassium Acetate enhances combustion uniformity and reduces harshness in cigarette blends. At 0.1 – 0.5 % addition, it lowers toxic-gas formation and improves smoke smoothness. Its hygroscopic property helps retain moisture during processing and storage.

Textile and Printing Industry

• Potassium Acetate acts as pH controller, water softener, and antistatic agent in dyeing and finishing. It complexes Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions, improving dye uptake and fabric handle. In post-finishing, it reduces static charge and enhances comfort.

Storage & Handling

• Store in a dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent caking or contamination.
• Avoid contact with strong acids to prevent decomposition.
• Recommended storage temperature: below 30°C.
• Use clean, dry bags or containers during storage and handling.

Usage Notice

• Avoid inhalation of dust during handling.
• Use protective gloves, goggles, and masks when working with solid materials.
• Prevent contact with acids or oxidizing agents.
• Dispose of waste according to local environmental regulations.
• Wash thoroughly after handling and ensure workspaces remain clean and dry.
• In sausage formulation, 100 kg pork, 30 kg water, 2.5 kg salt, and 0.3 kg Potassium Acetate are blended to prevent microbial spoilage and enhance flavor.
• In bread production, 100 kg flour, 60 kg water, 2 kg yeast, 1.5 kg salt, 8 kg sugar, and 0.2 kg Potassium Acetate improve pH balance and crumb softness.
• In soy-sauce fermentation, 0.2 % Potassium Acetate is added to stabilize pH and promote flavor development.
• In injection buffers, acetic acid and Potassium Acetate are combined at 0.05 – 0.2 M to maintain pH 4.5 – 5.5 for drug stability.
• In oral electrolyte solution, 6 g NaCl, 0.3 g KCl, 0.2 g Potassium Acetate, and 50 g glucose per liter restore body fluid balance.
• In Penicillin Potassium Salt manufacture, Potassium Acetate reacts with Penicillin acid to form a high-purity potassium salt precipitate.
• In foliar fertilizer formulations, 0.3 % Potassium Acetate with trace elements and surfactant enhances crop yield and quality.
• In soil conditioners, 10 kg Potassium Acetate mixed with organic fertilizer neutralizes acidity and improves soil structure.
• In pesticide suspension concentrates, 25 % active ingredient, 0.3 % Potassium Acetate, and 3 % dispersant increase formulation stability.
• In polyurethane foam catalysis, 0.05 % Potassium Acetate in isocyanate formulation accelerates gelation and foam rise.
• In electroplating baths, 8 % Potassium Acetate buffers pH and improves coating brightness.
• In cooling-water treatment, 100 ppm Potassium Acetate with 5 ppm zinc salt and 20 ppm polyphosphate inhibits corrosion and scale formation.
• In lithium-battery electrolyte, 1 % Potassium Acetate added to LiPF₆ solution enhances ionic conductivity and cycle stability.
• In composite de-icers, 40 % Potassium Acetate, 30 % NaCl, 20 % CaCl₂, and 2 % surfactant deliver effective melting down to –30 °C.
• In tobacco processing, 0.3 % Potassium Acetate maintains moisture and smooth flavor profile.
• In textile dyeing baths, Potassium Acetate controls pH and complexes hard-water ions for uniform coloration.

Packaging

• 25 kg woven bag or paper bag with inner PE liner
• Bulk and custom packaging available on request