Potassium pyruvate

Potassium pyruvate (CAS 4151-33-1) is the potassium salt form of pyruvic acid, offering improved stability and handling compared to the free acid. It functions as a pH buffer, acidulant, and metabolic substrate across food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology applications. In food and nutrition products, this compound is used as a flavoring agent and acidulant. It frequently appears in sports nutrition and dietary supplement formulations targeting energy metabolism support for active consumers.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers incorporate it as a buffering agent in injectable solutions and topical preparations. Precise pH control is critical to product stability and efficacy in these specialized medical applications. Biotechnology and cell culture laboratories use it as a carbon source and metabolic supplement in growth media. It supports cell viability and productivity in fermentation and mammalian cell culture processes.

It also serves in cosmetic formulations as a pH-regulating ingredient in skin-conditioning products. This versatility makes it a staple for formulators requiring high-purity metabolic intermediates for diverse uses. The material is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder. Food-grade and reagent-grade specifications are the most commonly available, with some suppliers offering material compliant with USP requirements.

Other grades may meet Ph.Eur. monograph requirements depending on the specific application. Packaging typically ranges from laboratory-scale quantities to bulk bags suited for industrial procurement needs.