Sodium Propionate

Sodium Propionate for Industrial Food Preservation, Professional Bakery Mould Inhibition, and Advanced Pharmaceutical Excipient Applications

Technical Specifications and Chemical Properties

Sodium Propionate (CAS No. 137-40-6) is the sodium salt of propionic acid, occurring as a white crystalline powder or granular solid with a mild, characteristic odor. It is highly valued for its extreme solubility in water (100g/100mL at 15°C) and its stability under standard light and heat conditions. With a molecular weight of 96.06 and formula C₃H₅NaO₂ (CH₃CH₂COONa), it acts as a potent antimicrobial by releasing propionic acid in acidic media. This deliquescent compound remains stable in dry storage but is hygroscopic, requiring sealed industrial packaging to maintain its high purity (≥99.0%) for commercial use.

Commercial Baking and Pharmaceutical Applications

In the food and beverage industry, Sodium Propionate (E281) is a primary preservative for yeast-leavened bakery products, dairy, and processed meat. Unlike alternatives, it does not interfere with the fermentation process of yeast, making it the preferred choice for bread and pastries. In the agricultural sector, it serves as a critical mould and yeast inhibitor in animal feed. Within the pharmaceutical industry, it is utilized as a chemical excipient in tablet formulations and as a specialized supplement in laboratory media for the isolation of specific microorganisms.

Industrial Utility and Specialized Manufacturing

Beyond food and medicine, this compound is employed as an anti-rope and anti-mould agent in industrial coatings and water treatment products. It is used as a pH regulator and laboratory chemical for precision organic synthesis. The personal care industry utilizes its antifungal properties in various cosmetic formulations. Supplied across the UK, Ireland, and Europe in custom dilutions and multiple solid formats, it supports high-volume manufacturing needs from large-scale bakeries to specialized chemical processing facilities.

Key Product Features

• Professional Grade: crystalline solid available in Technical and Food grades.
• Bakery Efficiency: Gold-standard mould inhibitor that preserves yeast fermentation.
• Superior Solubility: Freely dissolves in water for easy integration into liquid-phase production.
• Broad Spectrum Utility: Effective preservative for food, animal feed, and pharmaceuticals.
• Industrial Packaging: Supplied in 25kg bags, bulk bags, and various liquid containers for UK trade.