What Is Potassium Bitartrate (Cream of Tartar, E336)? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications
Last updated: 2026-11-14 · CAS 868-14-4 · Food Grade
- Quick facts
- Name
- Potassium Bitartrate (Cream of Tartar, E336)
- CAS number
- 868-14-4
- Grade
- Food Grade
- Certifications
- ISO 9001 · ISO 22000 · HACCP · FAMI-QS · Kosher · Halal · GMP · SGS
- Application areas
- 2
- Documentation
- COA · TDS · SDS
Overview
Potassium bitartrate is the monopotassium salt of tartaric acid, a natural crystalline precipitate formed during wine fermentation, commonly known as cream of tartar. As an organic acid salt, it has extensive applications in the food industry. Basic Information: Chinese Name:
CAS Number: 868–14–4
EINECS Number: 212–769–1
Applications
Comparison with Other Tartrates
Comparison Dimension
Selection Guidance
Baked Goods Leavening: Prioritize potassium bitartrate; compared to other acidic leavening agents, it provides gentler gas production and better…
Specification
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Test Method | |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Visual | |
| Potassium Bitartrate Content (dry basis), w/% | ≥ 99.0 |
| Titration | |
| Loss on Drying, w/% | ≤ 0.5 |
| Dried at 105°C | |
| pH (1% solution) | 3.5–4.0 |
| pH meter | |
| Arsenic (As), mg/kg | ≤ 3 |
| Atomic fluorescence/Arsenic spot test | |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb), mg/kg | ≤ 10 |
| Atomic absorption spectroscopy | |
| Lead (Pb), mg/kg | ≤ 2 |
| Atomic absorption spectroscopy | |
| Analytical Reagent (AR) Specifications | Parameter |
| Specification | |
| Assay (KHC4H4O6), w/% | ≥ 99.5 |
| Clarity Test | ≤ 3 |
| Insoluble in HCl, w/% | ≤ 0.005 |
| Chloride (Cl), w/% | ≤ 0.001 |
| Sulfate (SO4), w/% | ≤ 0.005 |
| Phosphate (PO4), w/% | ≤ 0.002 |
| Ammonium (NH4), w/% | ≤ 0.005 |
| Sodium (Na), w/% | ≤ 0.02 |
| Iron (Fe), w/% | ≤ 0.001 |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb), w/% | ≤ 0.001 |
| 2.2 Product Grade Classification | Grade |
| Purity Requirement | Key Characteristics |
| Typical Applications | |
| Food Grade | ≥99.0% |
| Compliant with GB 25556–2010, strict impurity control | Food additives, leavening agents, acidity regulators |
| Pharmaceutical Grade | ≥99.5% |
| Compliant with USP standards, strict microbial control | Pharmaceutical excipients, buffers |
| Analytical Reagent (AR) | ≥99.5% |
| High purity, low impurities | Laboratory analysis, volumetric analysis reagents |
| Chemical Pure (CP) | ≥99.0% |
| Moderate impurity tolerance | General chemical experiments, industrial raw materials |
| 2.3 Packaging and Storage Requirements | Parameter |
| Requirement | |
| Packaging Forms | 25kg woven bags (lined with plastic), 25kg fiber drums, 250g/500g plastic bottles |
| Storage Requirements | Room temperature, protected from light, well-ventilated dry place, sealed |
| Environmental Requirements | Dry conditions, avoid moisture absorption |
| Shelf Life | 24 months under specified conditions |
| 3. Core Application Areas |
Packaging & Storage
- Packing: 25kg net fiber drum with double PE liner.
- Sample: 100-500g free sample available.
- Storage: Keep in tightly closed packaging, cool, dry, well-ventilated. Protect from light and moisture.
- Shelf Life: 24 months from production date.
Quality & Certifications
Every batch tested by in-house QC lab. COA, TDS, SDS provided with each shipment.
Regulatory & Compliance
EU
Complies with EU regulations and FAMI-QS standards.
USA
Meets FDA and AAFCO requirements.
China
Registered under Chinese MOA regulations.
International
Kosher, Halal, ISO certified. FTA forms available.
Safety & Handling
- Hazard Class: Generally non-hazardous. Refer to SDS for details.
- Storage: Room temperature, dry, sealed. Avoid strong oxidizers.
- Transport: Non-dangerous goods. Standard sea/air freight.
- SDS: Available on request at sales@xadditive.cn.
Frequently asked questions
MOQ?
MOQ is 1kg for trial, 25kg for regular orders. Free samples available.
Shelf life?
24 months from production date when stored properly.
Certifications?
ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, FAMI-QS, Kosher, Halal, COA, SDS, TDS.
How to get quote?
Email sales@xadditive.cn with your requirement. Reply within 30 minutes.
Request a quote & COA
Ask for the current specification sheet, a COA sample and a bulk quotation — reply within 30 minutes on working days.