The invention relates to a method for synthesizing a preservative and antistaling agent, and in particular relates to a method for synthesizing a sodium diacetate crystal in one step. The following raw materials are adopted in percent by weight: 70.4-72.4% of glacial acetic acid, 10.8-12.0% of ionic membrane method caustic soda flake and 16.5-18.6% of anhydrous sodium carbonate. The synthesis steps are as follows: (1) mixing the ionic membrane method caustic soda flake with the anhydrous sodium carbonate, slowly adding the glacial acetic acid and then naturally heating, controlling total reaction time to be 30-50 minutes, and controlling maximum reaction temperature to be 65-85 DEG C; and (2) cooling the temperature below 50-60 DEG C after the reaction is completed, and discharging. By applying the method provided by the invention, solid-liquid separation equipment, drying equipment and a reaction heating device are eliminated, a sodium diacetate crystal one-step synthesis method is realized, process is simple and safe, energy is saved, production cost can be greatly reduced, yield of the product reaches up to more than 97%, product quality is easy to control, and the standard of FAO/WHO (Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization) is met.