Sodium propionate
Synonyms
Propanoic acid, sodium salt;
Category
Anionic Surfactant
> Carboxylate
>> Chain Carboxylate
>>> Alkyl Carboxylate
>>>> Linear Alkyl Carboxylate
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 137-40-6
EINECS: 205-290-4
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C3H5NaO2; C3H6O2.Na
Molecular Weight: 96.06
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), solid.
Solubility soluble in water.
Stability stable.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
mouse oral LD50 |
6332mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit skin LD50 |
1640mg/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent antimicrobial, antibacterial, preservative abilities.
Synthesis
Propanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide, then obtain.
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
GB/T 5173 Surface active agents and detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by direct two-phase titration procedure
ISO 2271 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by manual or mechanical direct two-phase titration procedure
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 25549 Food additive -- Sodium propionate
(1b), HG 2922 Food additive -- Sodium propionate
(1c), NY 40 Feed grade sodium propionate
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances; or furtherly test for microorganisms.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as antimicrobial agent, antibacterial agent, preservative.
2, Personal care products
Preservative in personal care products.
* * * * * *
Further informations:
(1), In accordance with EU regulations (EC) No 1223/2009, directive 2007/17/EC, propionic acid and its salts are included in Annex V/2.
Maximum concentration is 2.0% (as acid).
(2), China “Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015)”: allowable preservative, maximum concentration is 2.0% (as acid).
3, Food
Use as food additive (preservative).
4, Feed
Use as feed additive (preservative).
5, Forestry
Use as wood preservative.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 137-40-6, Sodium propionate
Update: 20140209(1); 20180826(2);