Chemistry:Potassium malate

Short description: Chemical compound

Potassium malate

Names
IUPAC name dipotassium 2-hydroxybutanedioate
Other names Dipotassium malate; E351
Identifiers
CAS Number	585-09-1 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	144374 N
PubChem CID	164689
UNII	5YO4AE78DB Y
InChI InChI=1S/C4H6O5.2K/c5-2(4(8)9)1-3(6)7;;/h2,5H,1H2,(H,6,7)(H,8,9);;/q;2*+1/p-2 N Key: SVICABYXKQIXBM-UHFFFAOYSA-L N InChI=1/C4H6O5.2K/c5-2(4(8)9)1-3(6)7;;/h2,5H,1H2,(H,6,7)(H,8,9);;/q;2*+1/p-2 Key: SVICABYXKQIXBM-NUQVWONBAI
SMILES C(C(C(=O)[O-])O)C(=O)[O-].[K+].[K+]
Properties
Chemical formula	C4H4K2O5
Molar mass	210.268 g·mol−1
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 malate is a compound with formula K₂(C₂H₄O(COO)₂). It is the potassium salt of malic acid.

As a food additive, it has the E number E351. It is used as acidity regulator or acidifier for use in, for example, canned vegetables, soups, sauces, fruit products and soft drinks. It also acts as an antioxidant and as a food flavor. It is an important compound in the transport of nitrate from the roots of a plant to the leaves of the plant. Potassium malate is the salt that transports from the leaves to the root. At the root the potassium maleate oxidizes to potassium carbonate, then is converted to potassium nitrate by soil nitrate and transported back to the leaves.