Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 11, 2026

Potassium lactate

Potassium lactate is a compound with formula KC3H5O3. It is the potassium salt of lactic acid and appears as a clear, hygroscopic, syrupy liquid suspension that is typically 60% solids. The substance can be concentrated to contain up to 78% solids. It is produced by neutralizing lactic acid, which is fermented from a sugar source. It has E number E326.

Last revised
Jun 11, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
252 w
Citations
4
Source
Potassium lactate
source ↗
Names
IUPAC name
Potassium 2-hydroxypropanoate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.012.392
E number E326 (antioxidants, ...)
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C3H6O3.K/c1-2(4)3(5)6;/h2,4H,1H3,(H,5,6);/q;+1/p-1 checkY
    Key: PHZLMBHDXVLRIX-UHFFFAOYSA-M checkY
  • [K+].[O-]C(=O)C(O)C
Properties
C3H5KO3
Molar mass 128.168
Pharmacology
B05XA15 (WHO)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Potassium lactate is a compound with formula KC3H5O3. It is the potassium salt of lactic acid and appears as a clear, hygroscopic, syrupy liquid suspension that is typically 60% solids.1 The substance can be concentrated to contain up to 78% solids.2 It is produced by neutralizing lactic acid, which is fermented from a sugar source. It has E number E326.

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 action and is effective at inhibiting most spoilage and pathogenic bacteria.3

Fire fighting uses

Potassium lactate is used as an extinguishing medium in First Alert Tundra fire extinguishers.4

References

References