* Ionic compounds are formed between a metal and a non-metal. Potassium (K) is a metal, and sorbate (C6H7O2-) is a polyatomic ion containing non-metals (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen).

* Covalent compounds are formed between non-metals.

Since potassium sorbate involves a metal and a non-metal, it forms an ionic bond. The potassium atom loses an electron to become a positively charged ion (K+), while the sorbate ion gains an electron to become negatively charged (C6H7O2-). These oppositely charged ions are then attracted to each other through electrostatic forces, forming the ionic compound potassium sorbate.