Sodium propionate explained

Sodium propanoate or sodium propionate is the sodium salt of propionic acid which has the chemical formula Na(C₂H₅COO). This white crystalline solid is deliquescent in moist air.

Reactions

It is produced by the reaction of propionic acid and sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.

Uses

It is used as a food preservative and is represented by the food labeling E number E281 in Europe; it is used primarily as a mold inhibitor in bakery products. It is approved for use as a food additive in the EU,^[1] USA^[2] and Australia and New Zealand^[3] (where it is listed by its INS number 281).

Structure

Anhydrous sodium propionate is a polymeric structure, featuring trigonal prismatic Na⁺ centers bonded to six oxygen ligands provided by the carboxylates. A layered structure is observed, with the hydrophobic ethyl groups projecting into the layered galleries. With hydrated sodium propionate, some of these Na-carboxylate linkages are displaced by water.

See also

• Propionic acid, E 280
• Calcium propionate, E 282
• Potassium propionate, E 283

References

1. UK Food Standards Agency: Web site: Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers . 2011-10-27.
2. US Food and Drug Administration: Web site: Listing of Food Additives Status Part II . . 2011-10-27.
3. Australia New Zealand Food Standards CodeWeb site: Standard 1.2.4 - Labelling of ingredients . 2011-10-27.

External links

• Sodium propanoate at Sci-toys.com