Calcium Propionate CAS#4075-81-4 Products Description
Calcium propionate, also referred to as calcium propanoate, is the calcium salt of propionic acid. It is typically found in the form of a white crystalline powder with little to no odor, although a slight propionic acid smell may be present. The compound is stable under normal room-temperature conditions and is hygroscopic in nature. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and exhibits high solubility in water, while its solubility in alcohol is limited.
Calcium propionate is widely used as an antifungal preservative in food and feed applications. It remains stable under normal exposure to light and heat and forms an alkaline solution when dissolved in water. It is slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol but insoluble in benzene and acetone. When exposed to humid air, it may absorb moisture and become deliquescent. Its thermal behavior includes the loss of crystal water at approximately 120°C, a phase transition around 200–210°C, and decomposition into calcium carbonate at approximately 330–340°C. Its reported melting point is around 300°C, with a pH value generally ranging from 7 to 9.
Under acidic conditions, calcium propionate releases propionic acid, which contributes to its antimicrobial activity against certain microorganisms, including Aspergillus niger and some bacteria. It is also used in animal feed formulations as a mold-inhibiting additive. By helping control mold and yeast growth, calcium propionate can reduce the risk of microbial spoilage and contribute to maintaining product quality during storage.
Its major applications include preservation of bread and other bakery products, fungal growth control in approved food and feed applications, and use as a feed additive to help extend storage life. When incorporated into feed formulations alongside other inorganic compounds, it may also contribute to improved feed utilization and livestock performance, including appetite and milk production in dairy cows. The source formulation recommends a dosage below 0.3% of total feed, calculated as propionic acid, subject to applicable regulations and formulation requirements.
Calcium Propionate CAS#4075-81-4 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 | 14,1698 |
| 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) |
Calcium Propionate CAS#4075-81-4 Safety Information
| 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) |
Calcium Propionate CAS#4075-81-4 Product Application
1. Food Industry
Calcium propionate is commonly used as a preservative and nutritional additive in a variety of food products, including bread, processed meats, baked goods, dairy products, and whey. It is particularly effective at pH levels below 5.5, making it suitable for dough formulations where it helps inhibit mold growth. It can also be used in bread formulations to reduce sodium content and as a browning agent in processed fruits and vegetables. In certain applications, sodium propionate can serve as an alternative.
2. Beverage Industry
Calcium propionate can help control microbial growth in beverage formulations, contributing to improved product stability and an extended shelf life.
3. Pharmaceutical Industry
Calcium propionate powder is used for its antimicrobial properties in certain formulations. It has also been applied to aloe vera-based preparations used in holistic therapies, where it helps control mold growth and maintain formulation stability, potentially allowing higher concentrations of aloe vera liquid to be incorporated.
4. Agriculture and Animal Feed
Calcium propionate is used as a feed additive and nutritional supplement, including in formulations designed to help prevent milk fever in dairy cows. It is also incorporated into poultry feed and other animal feed products, including cattle and dog food. In addition, it has applications in certain pesticide formulations.
5. Cosmetics and Personal Care
Identified by the food additive designation E282, calcium propionate can function as a preservative in selected cosmetic and personal care formulations by helping inhibit microbial growth and reduce the risk of product spoilage. It may also be used to adjust pH, depending on the formulation requirements.
6. Industrial Applications
Calcium propionate is used in selected industrial formulations, including paint and coating additives, as well as certain electroplating and surface treatment applications.
7. Photography Industry
Calcium propionate also has applications in the production of photographic chemicals and materials used in photographic processing.
