Derivative (finance) In finance, a derivative is a contract that derives its value from the performance of an underlying entity. This underlying entity can be an asset, index, or interest rate, and is often simply called the underlying.
Examples. Preservatives are either natural or chemical. Examples of chemical preservatives include nitrates, sulfites, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and propyl gallate. Common natural preservatives include salt, lemon juice (citric acid), vinegar (acetic acid), sugar, and certain spices.unction. Preservatives work in one of three ways. They can prevent growth of microorganisms by creating an environment hostile to them. They can block the process of oxidation that causes foods to turn rancid.
Ad. 2. Learn common preservative names. Although there are hundreds of food additives that function as preservatives, some of the most common appear in a wide variety of foods. 1  Once you learn to identify common preservatives you can quickly avoid selecting foods with those preservatives in the future. Once you learn to identify common preservatives you can quickly avoid selecting foods with those preservatives in the future. 2  Some of the most common preservatives include citric acid, sulfur dioxide, ascorbic acid, propionic acid, nitrates and nitrites, sodium bisulfite, sulfites, and even formaldehyde.