Potassium lactate is a

compound Compound may refer to: Architecture and built environments * Compound (enclosure), a cluster of buildings having a shared purpose, usually inside a fence or wall ** Compound (fortification), a version of the above fortified with defensive struc ...

with formula KC₃H₅O₃, or H3C-CHOH-COOK. It is the

potassium Potassium is the chemical element with the symbol K (from Neo-Latin ''kalium'') and atomic number19. Potassium is a silvery-white metal that is soft enough to be cut with a knife with little force. Potassium metal reacts rapidly with atmosph ...

salt Salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of salts; salt in the form of a natural crystalline mineral is known as rock salt or halite. Salt is present in vast quant ...

lactic acid Lactic acid is an organic acid. It has a molecular formula . It is white in the solid state and it is miscible with water. When in the dissolved state, it forms a colorless solution. Production includes both artificial synthesis as well as nat ...

. It is produced by neutralizing

which is fermented from a sugar source. It has E number "E326". Potassium lactate is a liquid product that is usually 60% solids but is available at up to 78% solids.

Uses

Culinary uses

Potassium lactate is commonly used in meat and poultry products to extend shelf life and increase food safety as it has a broad

antimicrobial An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth. Antimicrobial medicines can be grouped according to the microorganisms they act primarily against. For example, antibiotics are used against bacteria, and antifungals ar ...

action and is effective at inhibiting most spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. Meat and Poultry. http://www.purac.com/EN/Food/ingredients/Meat_poultry_and_fish.aspx

Fire fighting uses

Potassium lactate is also used as an extinguishing medium in the

First Alert First Alert is the retail brand of American safety equipment manufacturer BRK Brands, Inc., established in 1976 and based in Aurora, Illinois, with a production plant in Juarez, Mexico. Products sold with the brand include carbon monoxide detecto ...

''Tundra''

fire extinguisher A fire extinguisher is a handheld active fire protection device usually filled with a dry or wet chemical used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergencies. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which ha ...

s. MSDS for First Alert Tundra (MSDS 06-1753A), http://www.firstalert.com/site_content/85-home/952-tundra-fire-extinguishing-spray#downloads

References

Lactates Food additives Potassium compounds E-number additives {{firefighting-stub