E261 Preservative

(Deicing)

E261 (as a substitute for calcium chloride or magnesium chloride) can be used as a deicer to remove ice and prevent its formation. It offers the advantage of being less aggressive on soils and much less corrosive: for this reason, it is preferred for airport runways although it is more expensive.

(Fire extinguishing)

E261 is the extinguishing agent used in Class K fire extinguishers because of its ability to cool and form a crust over burning oils.

(Food additive)

E261 is used in processed foods as a preservative and acidity regulator. In the European Union, it is labeled by the E number E261; it is also approved for usage in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. Potassium hydrogen diacetate (CAS #4251-29-0 ) with formula KH(OOCCH3)2 is a related food additive with the same E number as E261.

(Medicine and biochemistry)

In medicine, E261 is used as part of electrolyte replacement protocols in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis because of its ability to break down to bicarbonate to help neutralize the acidotic state.

In molecular biology, E261 is used to precipitate dodecyl sulfate (DS) and DS-bound proteins to extract ethanol from DNA.

E261 is used in mixtures applied for tissue preservation, fixation, and mummification. Most museums today use the formaldehyde-based method recommended by Kaiserling in 1897 which contains E261. This process was used to soak Lenin's corpse.