Comparing E501I - Potassium carbonate vs E503II - Ammonium hydrogen carbonate
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Popular questions
Is potassium carbonate soluble?
Yes—it's highly soluble in water and deliquescent. It is insoluble in ethanol.
Is potassium carbonate soluble in water?
Yes, it dissolves readily in water to form a strongly alkaline solution.
What is potassium carbonate used for?
In foods, E501(i) is used as a stabiliser and acidity regulator/buffer, and as a leavening aid in some baked goods and alkaline-processed foods like certain noodles and cocoa. It’s also used industrially in making glass and soap.
Is potassium carbonate dangerous?
At approved food-use levels it’s considered safe, but the solid and concentrated solutions are strongly alkaline and can irritate or burn skin and eyes. Those with kidney disease or on potassium‑sparing medications should avoid excessive potassium intake.
How to make potassium carbonate?
Industrial production absorbs carbon dioxide into potassium hydroxide solution to form K2CO3; historically it was obtained from leached wood ashes. For food use, only purchase certified food‑grade material—home production isn’t recommended.
Is ammonium bicarbonate bad for you?
At normal food-use levels, ammonium bicarbonate (E503ii) isn’t considered harmful and decomposes during baking into carbon dioxide and ammonia that largely dissipate. High ammonia vapors can irritate eyes and airways, so thorough baking prevents residual odor or taste.
Is ammonium bicarbonate safe in food?
Yes—it's permitted as a leavening agent in many countries (GRAS in the U.S. and authorized in the EU as E503ii) when used under good manufacturing practice, and proper baking drives off residual ammonia.
What is ammonium bicarbonate in food?
Ammonium bicarbonate (ammonium hydrogen carbonate, “baker’s ammonia”) is a leavening agent used mainly in low-moisture baked goods. When heated, it releases carbon dioxide and ammonia to aerate dough and create a crisp texture.
How to make ammonium bicarbonate buffer?
Dissolve the needed amount in water (e.g., 7.9 g per liter for 0.1 M) and adjust to about pH 8 with ammonium hydroxide or dilute acid if required. Prepare fresh and keep cool, as it slowly decomposes and loses CO2/ammonia over time.
What is ammonium bicarbonate used for?
Primarily as a leavening agent for cookies, crackers, and traditional biscuits/gingerbread to achieve a dry, crisp texture. It’s also used as a pH control/buffering agent in some food and laboratory applications.