Potassium Cyclamate (pəˈtæsiəm ˈsaɪkləˌmeɪt) is a low-calorie artificial sweetener commonly used in food and beverage products. Its molecular formula is C6H12NKO3S and its taste is 30-50 times sweeter than sugar. The word "potassium" is spelled as pəˈtæsiəm and refers to the element of atomic number 19. "Cyclamate" is pronounced as ˈsaɪkləˌmeɪt and describes the chemical compound used as a sweetener. Proper spelling of this substance is essential for public safety and effective communication among food manufacturers and regulatory agencies.
Potassium cyclamate is a chemical compound used as an artificial sweetener in various food and beverage products. It is a white, crystalline powder that is between 30 to 40 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar).
Potassium cyclamate is a derivative of cyclohexylamine and was first discovered in 1937. It gained popularity as a low-calorie sweetener due to its sweet taste, negligible calorie content, and lack of effect on blood glucose levels. As a result, it is often used as a sugar substitute in numerous food and drink applications, including soft drinks, desserts, jams, and confectionery.
The compound possesses a slight bitter aftertaste, particularly at higher concentrations, which may affect its taste profile when used in large quantities. However, this attribute can be masked by combining cyclamate with other sweeteners to amplify its sweetness and mask the bitterness.
Potassium cyclamate is deemed safe for consumption by many regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, it is worth noting that the FDA currently prohibits its use in food and beverages in the United States due to concerns raised by animal studies suggesting a potential carcinogenic effect. Nonetheless, it remains approved for use in several other countries around the world.
In conclusion, potassium cyclamate is a chemically-derived, low-calorie sweetener that offers intense sweetness to various food and drink products. Its use is regulated by different authorities, and despite being deemed safe by many, some countries have implemented restrictions on its use.
The word "potassium cyclamate" is a compound term composed of two parts: "potassium" and "cyclamate".
1. Potassium: The term "potassium" comes from the German word "Kalium" and the Latin word "Kalium", both of which refer to the chemical element potassium (K). The origin of the German word "Kalium" can be traced back to the Arabic word "al-qalīy", meaning "alkali" or "potash".
2. Cyclamate: The term "cyclamate" refers to a type of artificial sweetener that is a cyclic derivative of sulfamic acid. It was first synthesized in 1937 by Michael Sveda, a chemist working at the University of Illinois.