Potassium benzoate is a food preservative commonly used to extend the shelf life of various food and beverage products. It's made by combining benzoic acid with potassium hydroxide, resulting in a white crystalline powder with a slightly sweet taste and odorless smell. If you're looking for alternative names or synonyms for potassium benzoate, you might come across terms like benzoate of potash, potassium benzoic acid, or even E212 (its designation as a food additive by the European Union). Regardless of its name, potassium benzoate works by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in food, and is commonly found in soft drinks, fruit juices, and other canned or bottled foods.