Acesulfame K

Acesulfame K
Acesulfame K is the generic name for the potassium salt of 6 methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4(3H)-one-2.2.disoxide; it is a derivative of acetoacetic acid and was discovered by the German company in 1967.

In 1967 the Hoechst researcher Karl ClauB was conducting a research program aimed at the evaluation of substance which had found only limited interest until then.

When he reacted butyne and fluorosulfonyl isocyanate, he noticed taste originating from his finger, which was not caused by any known sweet substance.

Again, as was the case with other important sweeteners, the discovery of the sweetness was made accidently.

Properties
Acesulfame K is a white, non-hygroscopic crystalline; at room temperature solubility (270 g/l) in water, poor in organic solvent, but increases in solvent water mixtures.

It has no sharp melting point, but decomposes at about 225 degree C.

Acesulfame K is extremely stable in the solid state and even in the low pH environment of soft drinks.

Acesulfame K is similar on structure to saccharin, but about half as sweet.

Acesulfame K is not metabolized by the body. It is absorbed by the intestinal tract and quickly and completely executed.

Application in soft drinks: sensory
As with all intense sweeteners, sweetness potency of acesulfame K relative to sucrose decreases with increasing concentration and varies with the medium in which the sweetener is being tested and the method used for quantifying sweetness.

The taste profile of acesulfame K is generally considered to be superior to saccharin.

It has a rapid onset time but the sweetness quality is marred by a bitter astringent aftertaste that is particularly noticeable at higher concentrations.

Sweetness quality can be greatly improved by combining with other intense and bulk sweetness.

High levels of synergisms (30% and above) occur with aspartame and to a lesser extent with cyclamate, glucose, fructose and sucrose.
Acesulfame K