Contents
We are talking about a unique substance, which, according to all classifications, is the marking name E508. The distinctive properties of the food emulsifier, its structure and features make it possible to classify the additive as an industrially important element, without which it is difficult to imagine the entire production process.
This is a compound that is created exclusively synthetically. It has received worldwide distribution and fame in all countries. The substance is used as a strong thickener.
When added to food, adverse and allergic reactions are not observed. Therefore, the level of danger of the connection is defined as the minimum possible.
Names of the element on the world market: E 508, Potassium Chloride, potassium chloride, Kalium chloratum.
Characteristics of the physical direction
An element of a whitish color, a crystalline structure. Odorless, excellent solubility in aqueous media. It has a pronounced salty taste. The melting point reaches 770 degrees. Boiling occurs at a temperature of 1407 degrees. The element is inert to alcohols and remains insoluble in them. The molecular formulation of the compound is KCl. Refers to emulsifiers, stabilizers, true salt substitutes, therefore it is introduced into many industries.
Obtaining Method
The element is synthetic, that is, it is obtained only in laboratory conditions with the appropriate equipment and reagents. To obtain an additive, a chemical method is often used: hydrochloric acid combines with potassium hydroxide. The method is based on the difference in the solubility rates of raw materials when exposed to high temperatures. There is another equally common method – halurgy and flotation of natural sylvin. It consists in the difference in the properties of elements to be kept on the verge of phase separation in liquid media.
The chloride element is also found in wildlife. But it cannot be found in a pure element. There are minerals of carnalite, sylvin. Moreover, calcium chloride is also found in the composition of sylvinite.
Influence on the body
The element is very well and rapidly absorbed when it enters the body. In the same way, the excretion of residual substances occurs with the help of the excretory system. The additive has no toxicity.
Harm to the body
The element is obtained synthetically, but this does not prevent it from remaining neutral in relation to the body. E508 does not have dangerous qualities, does not provoke adverse effects and allergic reactions. Therefore, it is called completely safe.
Benefit
The substance is safe, but at the same time it has no useful qualities. For the body, it is neutral. There is evidence that moderate dosages of the element can normalize acidity and restore the concentration of minerals in the body. The substance is a strong factor and activator of cytoplasmic enzymes. E508 is involved in protein synthesis, transport of amino acids. Thanks to this elementary substance, nerve impulses are conducted more efficiently and muscle contraction is activated.
It has been proven that the minimum dosages of chloride effectively expand the vessels of the heart, the maximum ones narrow them. Like other potassium salts, chloride has a moderate diuretic effect.
Application area
The connection is indispensable in the food industry. It is widely used as a gelling agent. Additionally, E508 must be added when cooking table salt. The technique significantly reduces the sodium content in the final product. Often the additive is contained in many types of bulk products. E508 prevents clumping during long storage.
In the food industry, the compound is often used as a stabilizer in the production of:
- condensed milk;
- cream;
- dry dairy products (including dried cream).
In dietary nutrition, chloride is even sometimes used as a substitute for salt. The compound appears as a complete nutrient medium for yeast-like cultures.
The scope of the element is quite diverse. It is possible to form high-quality holograms on chloride crystals. So, the compound can often be found in the pharmacological industry. The element is added to a number of cardiac medicines. It has been proven that potassium chloride effectively strengthens the heart muscle, normalizes the heart rhythm. Such drugs make up for potassium deficiency, remove intoxication signs in case of an overdose of diuretics and glycosides.
The additive is often used in agriculture. This is a universal, relatively cheap and effective fertilizer. Potassium chloride is used as a fertilizer, for the production of caustic potassium, potassium chloride, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate. In the chemical industry, it is used to improve the electrolysis process.
In states that allow the death penalty, chloride is used as an injection for convicts.
For construction purposes, when repairing wells, the chloride element is indispensable as a strong inhibitor for drilling fluid. The isotope of the compound, due to its activity, is currently considered the most convenient for testing the operation of household dosimeters.
The legislative framework
The production and use of the element is allowed worldwide. It is completely safe, therefore, it is calmly applicable to all sectors of the economy.
Packing, transport
The element is produced by powerful corporations in many countries of the world. Packing is done in tightly sealed containers. The substance is transported by any transport, but only in covered facilities. The element is non-toxic, completely safe. Store it in closed packages. It is extremely important to prevent moisture from entering. Warranty period of storage – 1 year. The expiration date is not limited.
Scientists all over the world are unanimous in one thing: the usefulness of a food element many times exceeds the possible potential harm from its use. Therefore, the connection is recognized as completely safe. The element is not banned in the industry powers.