Comparing E513 - Sulphuric acid vs E515II - Potassium hydrogen sulphate

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Overview

E513 - Sulphuric acid

Sulphuric acid (E513) is a strong mineral acid used in tiny, food‑grade amounts to control acidity during manufacturing. It doesn’t add its own flavor; it helps set the right pH so foods process and store as intended. It is tightly regulated and must meet purity rules for food use.

E515II - Potassium hydrogen sulphate

Potassium hydrogen sulphate (E515II) is a food-grade acid salt used to control acidity in foods and drinks. Also called potassium bisulphate, it adjusts pH, which helps with taste, texture, and shelf stability when used in small, approved amounts. It is authorized as a food additive in the European Union.

Synonyms

E513

Sulphuric acid

Oil of vitriol

sulfuric acid

H2SO4

E515ii

Potassium hydrogen sulphate

Potassium bisulphate

Functions

acidity regulator

Origins

Synthetic

Products

Found in 4 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#1699.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#50930 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×1613.85

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Search history data is not available.

Popular questions

Is h2so4 a strong acid?
Yes—sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong diprotic acid; its first proton dissociates completely in water.
What is sulfuric acid used for?
As a food additive (E513), it’s used as an acidity regulator and processing aid for pH control, sugar refining, and starch modification; industrially it’s used for fertilizers, batteries, and chemical synthesis.
Is h2so4 an acid or base?
An acid—specifically a strong diprotic mineral acid used to acidify and catalyze reactions.
Is sulfuric acid a strong acid?
Yes; it’s considered a strong acid, with essentially complete first dissociation in water.
What does h2so4 do in a reaction?
It donates protons to acidify mixtures and can catalyze hydrolysis, esterification, and dehydration; in food processing it’s mainly used to adjust pH and is neutralized or removed afterward.