Potassium sorbate is the common name for potassium (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadienoate. The main use of potassium sorbate is as food additive (E 202) as mold and yeast inhibitor. Potassium sorbate (E 202) is used as a antimicrobial and fungistatic agent and preservative in foods, especially cheeses (unripen, ripened and whey cheese and cheese products), citrus fruits, chewing gum, processed potato products, potato gnocchi, meat pâté, processed meat, processed fish, processed eggs (dehydrated and concentrated frozen eggs), table-top sweeteners in liquid form, protein products, dietary foods for weight control, salads, fruit nectars, beer, wine, fruit wine and made wine, mead, aromatized wines and aromatized wine-based drinks and cocktails, potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks, desserts and food supplements and processed nuts. Potassium sorbate has been also used as medication and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Potassium sorbate is also approved as a biocidal active substance.
In summary, formic acid (methanoic acid) is a remarkable compound with a wide range of applications spanning various industries. Its natural occurrence, reactivity, and versatility make it invaluable in agriculture, textile processing, and chemical synthesis. As researchers continue to innovate and discover new uses for formic acid, its importance in both the industrial sector and environmental sustainability is likely to grow further. The future of formic acid looks promising, holding the potential to contribute significantly to sustainable practices while meeting the demands of various industries.