Product Description
Calcium propionate (CAS No. 4075-81-4), also known as calcium propanoate, is the calcium salt of propionic acid. It typically appears as a white crystalline powder with little to no odor and demonstrates excellent stability under normal conditions.
The compound is highly soluble in water, forming an alkaline solution, while showing limited solubility in alcohol and insolubility in organic solvents such as benzene and acetone. Calcium propionate is hygroscopic and may absorb moisture from the air. It remains stable under light and heat conditions, with thermal decomposition occurring at elevated temperatures.
As an effective food-grade preservative, calcium propionate works by releasing propionic acid under acidic conditions, which helps inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and certain bacteria. This makes it particularly valuable in bakery preservation, where it helps maintain freshness and extend product shelf life.
In animal feed applications, calcium propionate serves as a reliable antifungal additive that helps control microbial growth, prevent feed deterioration, and improve storage stability. Due to its favorable metabolic characteristics, it is widely used in compound feed formulations and livestock nutrition products.
With its excellent preservation ability, high stability, and wide compatibility, calcium propionate is an important additive for the food, feed, and agricultural industries, supporting product quality, safety, and longer storage performance.
Calcium Propionate 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 | 141698 |
| 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) |
| 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) |
Applications of Calcium Propionate CAS No. 4075-81-4
Calcium propionate is a multifunctional calcium salt widely used in food preservation, animal nutrition, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial formulations due to its excellent antimicrobial properties and good stability.
Food Industry Applications
Calcium propionate is widely used as a food preservative and functional additive in bakery products, processed foods, dairy products, and other food formulations. It is particularly effective in acidic environments, where it helps inhibit mold growth and extend product freshness. In bread and baked goods, it helps maintain quality during storage while supporting product shelf life. It may also be used in fruit and vegetable processing as a functional additive.
Beverage Applications
In beverage formulations, calcium propionate helps control microbial growth and improves product stability, contributing to longer shelf life and maintaining product quality during storage.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Calcium propionate is utilized as an antimicrobial ingredient in pharmaceutical and health-related formulations. It can help prevent fungal growth in certain preparations and improve formulation stability, including products containing natural plant extracts.
Agriculture and Animal Feed Applications
In animal nutrition, calcium propionate is widely used as a feed additive and nutritional supplement. It helps improve feed preservation by reducing mold contamination and supports feed quality maintenance. It is commonly applied in livestock, poultry, and pet food formulations, and may also be used in specialized agricultural products.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Applications
As a preservative ingredient (E282), calcium propionate helps protect cosmetic and personal care products from microbial contamination. It is also used as a pH-adjusting component in certain formulations to enhance product stability.
Industrial Applications
Calcium propionate is applied in industrial formulations such as paints, coatings, plating systems, and surface treatment products, where its functional properties contribute to product performance and stability.
Photography Applications
In the photographic industry, calcium propionate is used as a component in the preparation of photographic chemicals and processing-related materials.
With its broad antimicrobial activity, excellent stability, and versatile compatibility, calcium propionate serves as an important additive across food, feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors.
