Sodium propionate
[CAS# 137-40-6]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organometallic salt
• Name: Sodium propionate
• Synonyms: Propanoic acid sodium salt
• Molecular Formula: C₃H₅NaO₂
• Molecular Weight: 96.06
• CAS Registry Number: 137-40-6
• EC Number: 205-290-4
• SMILES: CCC(=O)[O-].[Na+]

Properties

• Melting point: 285-286 °C
• Water solubility: 995 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H312-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P317-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Explosives	Expl.	1.3	H203

Discovery and Applications

Sodium propionate, with the chemical formula C₃H₅NaO₂, is the sodium salt of propionic acid. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. Sodium propionate is widely recognized for its antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable compound in various industrial and food applications.

The discovery of sodium propionate dates back to the early 20th century, when there was a growing interest in food preservation technologies. The development of this compound was driven by the need for an effective and safe preservative that could inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria in food. Sodium propionate emerged as a promising candidate due to its efficacy and low toxicity.

Sodium propionate is typically synthesized by neutralizing propionic acid with sodium hydroxide. The reaction produces sodium propionate and water, which can be further purified for various uses.

Sodium propionate is primarily used as a food preservative. Its antimicrobial properties effectively inhibit the growth of mold and other bacteria, extending the shelf life of various baked goods, dairy products, and processed meats. In baked goods, it prevents mold growth without affecting the taste or quality of the product.

In the agricultural sector, sodium propionate is added to animal feed to prevent mold contamination and extend shelf life. It ensures that feed remains safe and nutritious for livestock, improving the overall health and productivity of animals.

In pharmaceuticals, sodium propionate is used as an active ingredient in certain antifungal and antibacterial formulations. Its safety and effectiveness make it suitable for topical applications to treat skin infections and other diseases caused by microbial growth.

In the cosmetics industry, sodium propionate is used as a preservative in a variety of products, including creams, lotions, and shampoos. It helps maintain the integrity of the product by preventing microbial contamination, ensuring safety and longevity.

In addition to its use in food and personal care products, sodium propionate can also be used in the industrial sector. It is used as a preservative in adhesives, textiles, and coatings to help prevent mold growth and extend the life of the product.

Sodium propionate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Its low toxicity and high efficacy make it an ideal preservative for a variety of applications. Like all food additives, its use is regulated to ensure consumer safety.

References

2024. Binding interaction studies of sodium benzoate, calcium propionate and sodium propionate with bovine serum albumin using spectroscopic method and molecular docking. Discover Chemistry, 1(35).
DOI: 10.1007/s44371-024-00035-5

2024. 1H-NMR-Based Chemometrics and 13C-NMR Dereplication Analysis Applied to the Bioprospecting of the Yucatecan Flora: Identification of 3-O-Acetyl-Ceanotic Acid as an Inhibitor of Bacterial Virulence Factors from Colubrina yucatanensis. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia.
DOI: 10.1007/s43450-024-00603-x

2024. Biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymers consisting of α-methylated monomer units from glucose and propionate: thermal properties and chiral configuration. Biotechnology for Sustainable Materials, 1(8).
DOI: 10.1186/s44316-024-00008-9