Sodium Propionate

Synonyms: E281; ethylformic acid, sodium salt, hydrate; methylacetic acid, sodium salt, hydrate; natrii propionas; sodium propanoate hydrate; sodium propionate hydrate.

Description: Sodium propionate occurs as colorless transparent crystals or as a granular, free-flowing, crystalline powder. It is odorless, or with a slight characteristic odor, and is deliquescent in moist air. Sodium propionate has a characteristic, slightly cheeselike taste, although by itself it is unpalatable.

Chemical Name: Propionic acid, sodium salt, hydrate 
Propionic acid, sodium salt, anhydrous

Antimicrobial preservative.

• As an excipient, sodium propionate is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations as an antimicrobial preservative.

• Like propionic acid, sodium propionate and other propionic acid salts are fungistatic and bacteriostatic against a number of Gram-positive cocci.

• Propionates are more active against molds than is sodium benzoate, but have essentially no activity against yeasts.

• Therapeutically, sodium propionate has been used topically in concentrations up to 10% w/w alone or in combination with other propionates, caprylates, or other antifungal agents, in the form of ointments or solutions for the treatment of dermatophyte infections.

• Eye drops containing 5% w/v sodium propionate have also been used. See Section 18. In food processes, particularly baking, sodium propionate is used as an antifungal agent; it may also be used as a flavoring agent in food products.

• In veterinary medicine, sodium propionate is used therapeutically as a glucogenic substance in ruminants.

Incompatibilities for sodium propionate are similar to those of other weak organic acids.

Sodium propionate and other propionates are used in oral pharmaceutical formulations, food products, and cosmetics. The free acid, propionic acid, occurs naturally at levels up to 1% w/w in certain cheeses.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Sodium propionate may be irritant to the eyes and skin. Gloves, eye protection, and a dust-mask are recommended. When heated to decomposition, sodium propionate emits toxic fumes of sodium monoxide, Na2O2

Anhydrous sodium propionate; calcium propionate; potassium propionate; propionic acid; zinc propionate.