Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E228 - Potassium bisulphite
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Found in 16,173 products
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Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is sodium benzoate bad for you?
Generally no—it's an approved preservative with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–5 mg/kg body weight, and typical intakes are well below this. Rare sensitivities (e.g., hives/asthma-like symptoms) can occur, and in vitamin C–containing drinks exposed to heat/light it can form trace benzene, which manufacturers work to minimize.
Is sodium benzoate safe?
Yes—it's authorized by regulators (e.g., FDA, EFSA, JECFA) with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight and is GRAS in foods up to 0.1%. Those with sensitivities may wish to limit it, and beverages containing both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid should be protected from heat/light to prevent benzene formation.
Is sodium benzoate safe for skin?
Yes—it's widely used as a cosmetic preservative at low concentrations and is considered safe by regulatory and review bodies. It may occasionally cause mild irritation or sensitization, especially on very sensitive or damaged skin.
Is sodium benzoate bad for hair?
No—at the low levels used to preserve shampoos and conditioners it does not damage hair fibers. As with many preservatives, higher concentrations can irritate the scalp, but consumer products use small amounts.
Is sodium benzoate harmful?
Not at permitted food and cosmetic levels; safety limits (e.g., ADI 0–5 mg/kg body weight) are set to prevent harm. Main concerns are rare intolerance reactions and trace benzene formation in vitamin C–containing drinks under heat/light, which industry monitors and minimizes.
How are bisulfite ions generated in the iodine clock reaction potassium iodate and sodium sulfite?
Bisulfite (HSO3−) comes either directly from dissolving potassium bisulfite (KHSO3 → K+ + HSO3−) or by protonation of sulfite from sodium sulfite in acidic solution (SO3^2− + H+ → HSO3−), which is the pH range used in the iodine clock.
How does sodium bisulfite and potassium iodate react to make iodine reaction with starch?
In acid, iodate (IO3−) oxidizes bisulfite (HSO3−) to sulfate while being reduced to iodide; once bisulfite is depleted, remaining iodate oxidizes iodide to iodine (I2), which then forms the blue complex with starch.
How does sodium bisulfite and potassium iodate react to make iodine reaction with starch equations?
Key steps (acidic medium): IO3− + 3 HSO3− → I− + 3 SO4^2− + 3 H+; then IO3− + 5 I− + 6 H+ → 3 I2 + 3 H2O; and while bisulfite remains, it removes iodine: I2 + HSO3− + H2O → 2 I− + HSO4− + 2 H+.
How long is potassium bisulfite good for?
Stored airtight in a cool, dry place, solid potassium bisulfite is typically usable for about 1–2 years; in solution it loses strength much faster (weeks to a few months) as it oxidizes to sulfate.
How most potassium bisulfite or metab?
Potassium metabisulfite (E224) is more commonly used because it’s more stable, but both it and potassium bisulfite (E228) release SO2; for dosing, KHSO3 is ~53% SO2 by weight and K2S2O5 is ~58%, so slightly less metabisulfite is needed to achieve the same SO2 level.