Potassium lactate

"E326" redirects here. For the locomotive, see FS Class E326.

Potassium lactate
IUPAC name Potassium 2-hydroxypropanoate
Identifiers
CAS number	996-31-6 Y
PubChem	61248
ChemSpider	55189 Y
UNII	87V1KMK4QV N
ChEMBL	CHEMBL1200664 N
ATC code	B05XA15
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES [K+].[O-]C(=O)C(O)C
InChI InChI=1S/C3H6O3.K/c1-2(4)3(5)6;/h2,4H,1H3,(H,5,6);/q;+1/p-1 Y Key: PHZLMBHDXVLRIX-UHFFFAOYSA-M Y
Properties
Molecular formula	C3H5KO3
Molar mass	128.168
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
N (verify) (what is: Y/N?)
Infobox references

Potassium lactate is a compound with formula KC₃H₅O₃, or H3C-CHOH-COOK. It is the potassium salt of lactic acid. It is produced by neutralizing lactic acid 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.

Potassium lactate is commonly used in meat and poultry products to extend shelf life and increase food safety as it has a broad antimicrobial action and is effective at inhibiting most spoilage and pathogenic bacteria.

Potassium lactate is also used as an extinguishing media in the First Alert Tundra fire extinguishers.