Calcium Propionate CAS#4075-81-4
Calcium propionate, alternatively named calcium propanoate, is a white crystalline powder with a subtle smell. It stays stable at ambient temperature yet is hygroscopic, and cannot coexist with strong oxidants. This chemical features a melting point near 300°C and a pH range of 7–9; it dissolves freely in water while showing poor solubility in alcohols.
It is the calcium salt of propionic acid and a mainstream food antifungal ingredient. Presented as white crystals or powder, it is nearly odorless or carries a faint propionic acid scent and maintains stability under light and heat exposure. Dissolution in water yields an alkaline solution. It is sparingly soluble in methanol and ethanol, and insoluble in benzene and acetone. This substance absorbs moisture in humid air, sheds crystal water at roughly 120°C, experiences phase transition between 200–210°C, and decomposes into calcium carbonate at 330–340°C.
In acidic environments, calcium propionate liberates free propionic acid, which can suppress Aspergillus niger and specific bacterial strains. Since it occurs naturally as a metabolic intermediate in animals, it is recognized as safe for feed applications. It delivers broad-spectrum inhibition against moulds and yeasts to curb microbial reproduction and avoid feed deterioration. It is extensively applied as a preservative for bread and baked goods, a fungicide for food and feed, and a feed additive for shelf-life extension. Blended with other inorganic substances, it can stimulate livestock appetite and raise milk output of dairy cattle. Its recommended addition level is kept below 0.3% of the total feed mass, calculated on the basis of propionic acid.
Calcium Propionate Chemical Properties
Melting point | 300 °C |
density | 1.41[at 20℃] |
vapor pressure | 0-399Pa at 20-23℃ |
storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
solubility | water: soluble1g/10 mL, clear, colorless |
form | Crystals or Crystalline Powder |
color | White |
PH | 9.2 (200g/l, H2O, 20℃)(IUCLID) |
Odor | at 100.00%. bland mild propionic acid |
Water Solubility | 1 g/10 mL |
Merck | 141698 |
BRN | 3698682 |
Stability: | Stable. Hygroscopic. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions | PRESERVATIVE |
InChI | 1S/2C3H6O2.Ca/c2*1-2-3(4)5;/h2*2H2,1H3,(H,4,5);/q;;+2/p-2 |
InChIKey | BCZXFFBUYPCTSJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L |
SMILES | CCC(=O)O[Ca]OC(=O)CC |
LogP | 0.33 at 25℃ |
CAS DataBase Reference | 4075-81-4(CAS DataBase Reference) |
EPA Substance Registry System | Calcium propionate (4075-81-4) |
Risk Statements | 36/37/38 |
Safety Statements | 24/25 |
WGK Germany | 2 |
RTECS | UE8450000 |
TSCA | TSCA listed |
HS Code | 29155000 |
Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
Hazard Classifications | Eye Dam. 1 |
STOT SE 3 | |
Hazardous Substances Data | 4075-81-4(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Product Application of Calcium Propionate CAS#4075-81-4
Food Industry
Calcium propionate serves broadly as a preservative and nutritional supplement for bread, processed meat, bakery items, dairy produce and whey. It delivers optimal performance at pH below 5.5, which makes it ideal for dough systems to suppress mould proliferation. It also supports lowering sodium levels in bread recipes and acts as a browning agent for processed fruits and vegetables. Sodium propionate can be adopted as its substitute for some scenarios.
Beverage Industry
Calcium propionate restrains microbial reproduction, so as to enhance the stability and extend the shelf life of beverage products.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Calcium propionate powder works as an antimicrobial agent. It also stops mould contamination in aloe vera preparations for complementary therapeutic uses. This characteristic enables formulations to contain a higher loading of aloe vera juice without compromising product stability.
Agriculture
Calcium propionate is applied as a feed additive and nutritional supplement to reduce the risk of milk fever in dairy cows. It is commonly incorporated into feed for poultry, cattle and canines, and also finds use within pesticide formulations.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Labelled as preservative E282, calcium propionate inhibits bacterial multiplication and guards cosmetic and personal-care goods against deterioration. It also assists in adjusting the pH balance of cosmetic recipes.
Industrial Applications
This ingredient is deployed in paint and coating auxiliaries, as well as plating and surface treatment blends.
Photography
Calcium propionate is additionally utilised in the production of photographic chemicals and darkroom processing materials.
