Potassium bicarbonate

Potassium bicarbonate (CAS 298-14-6), also known as E501ii, is an inorganic potassium salt; a leavening agent and pH buffer.

Where is Potassium bicarbonate used?

• Food manufacturing: leavening agent in baked goods and acidity regulator in cocoa processing, where it also modifies flavor development
• Winemaking: reduces excess tartaric acidity
• Agriculture: registered fungicide active ingredient in low-residue crop protection programs against powdery mildew
• Pharmaceuticals: excipient in effervescent tablets and pH-adjusting agent in topical and oral preparations
• It releases CO₂ under heat.
• Helps reduce sodium (common salt) use in foods, allowing manufacturers to create low-sodium foods and diets.
• Cooling the wine after treatment speeds up crystallization of the precipitated potassium bitartrate so it can be separated more quickly.

Good to know: Monopotassium carbonate is a recognized trade term in some markets; KHCO3 remains the most common shorthand among technical buyers.

Formulation notes

• 67 g per hectoliter of wine neutralizes about 1 g of tartaric acid per liter.
• Can be used instead of sodium bicarbonate to reduce the sodium content of the finished product.

Typical specification

• High-quality material should usually have a purity of 99% or higher, depending on the application.
• Compatible with common ingredients such as salt, sugar, starch gum, guar gum, and oil.
• Soluble in water but not in alcohol.
• Sold in technical grade and food grade.
• Solubility of 22.4 g/100 mL at 20°C.

Regulatory status

• Must be used in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex Food Additives Regulation and vertical communiqués, considering permitted foods, conditions of use, maximum amounts, and restrictions.
• Effective fungicide against powdery mildew and apple scab, permitted for use in organic farming.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.