| Definition | |
| Chemical name | Calcium sorbate |
| Calcium salts of trans, trans-2,4-hexadienoic acid |
| Einecs | 231-321-6 |
| Chemical formula | C12H14O4Ca |
| Molecular weight | 262,32 |
| Assay | Content not less than 98 % on the dried basis |
| Description | Fine white crystalline powder not showing any change in colour after heating at 105 oC for 90 minutes |
| Identification | |
A.Melting range of sorbic acid isolated by acidification and not recrystallised 133 oC to 135 oC after vacuum drying in a sulphuric acid desiccator | |
B.Positive tests for calcium and for double bonds | |
| Purity | |
| Loss on drying | Not more than 2,0 %, determined by vacuum drying for four hours in a sulphuric acid desiccator |
| Aldehydes | Not more than 0,1 % (as formaldehyde) |
| Fluoride | Not more than 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | Not more than 3 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 5 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | Not more than 10 mg/kg |