Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K) – Intense sweetener for the food and pharmaceutical industries

Acesulfame potassium (ACESULFAM K) is a high-intensity synthetic sweetener widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Its sweetness is estimated to be about 200 times that of sucrose, making it an extremely efficient ingredient in the production of low-calorie and sugar-free products. In addition to its exceptional taste properties, Acesulfame K is distinguished by its thermal stability, resistance to chemical degradation and neutral taste profile.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the chemical structure, physical properties, applications and safety aspects of this popular industrial sweetener.

Product Technical Data

• Chemical name: Acesulfame potassium
• CAS number: 55589-62-3
• EC (EINECS) number: 259-715-3
• Sum formula: C₄H₄KNO₄S
• Molar mass: 201.24 g/mol
• Physical form: White crystalline powder
• Melting point: about 225 °C (with decomposition).
• Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol

Industrial Applications

1. food industry

Acesulfame K is one of the most widely used intense sweeteners. It is used in light drinks, desserts, jams, yogurts, candies, chewing gums and baked goods. Due to its high resistance to temperature and pH, it is ideal for heat-treated products.

2. pharmacy and dietary supplements

Acesulfame K is widely used as an auxiliary ingredient in medicines and supplements – especially in syrups, lozenges and effervescent preparations, where it improves flavor without adding calories.

3. sugar-free and diet products

With zero calories, acesulfame potassium is used in foods and beverages for people on low-carbohydrate diets, including diabetics. It is often combined with other sweeteners, such as aspartame or sucralose, for a more natural flavor profile.

Benefits and special features

• Thermal stability: does not degrade at high temperatures, can be used for baking and cooking.
• Flavor Synergy: When combined with other sweeteners, it gives a more natural flavor and reduces the aftertaste of bitterness.
• Low dosages: Very high sweetness allows the use of minimal amounts, which reduces the cost of production.
• Long shelf life: Chemically stable, does not ferment or change flavor over time.

Safety and regulation

Acesulfame K has been approved by numerous regulatory bodies, including EFSA, FDA and WHO. It has an ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) designation of : 15 mg/kg body weight. It is considered safe for consumption within established limits and does not exhibit mutagenic or carcinogenic properties. In the European Union, it appears under the additive number E950.

In industrial products, such as those available from Vichemic, it meets purity and quality standards in accordance with FCC and USP requirements.

Trivia

• Acesulfame was discovered by accident in 1967 by German chemist Karl Clauss.
• It is not metabolized – it is excreted unchanged in the urine.
• Due to its stability and performance, it is one of the most widely used sweeteners in the world – present in more than 1,000 food products.
• In studies of synergistic taste effects, it is often combined with aspartame and sodium cyclamate.

Summary

Acesulfame potassium is an extremely effective industrial sweetener whose properties make it an ideal ingredient in dietary, sugar-free and low-calorie products. Its heat resistance, low cost of use and safe consumption make it widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The availability of Acesulfame K in high purity at vichemic.co.uk makes it a noteworthy product for professionals seeking the highest quality raw materials.