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Calcium propionate[1]
IUPAC name	Calcium propanoate
Other names	Calcium propionate Mycoban
Identifiers
CAS number	4075-81-4
PubChem	19999
EC number	223-795-8
SMILES	CCC(=O)[O-].CCC(=O)[O-].[Ca+2]
Properties
Molecular formula	C6H10CaO4
Molar mass	186.22
Appearance	White crystalline solid
Solubility in water	Freely soluble
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Calcium propionate or calcium propanoate has the formula Ca(C₂H₅COO)₂. It is the calcium salt of propionic acid.

[edit] Uses

As a food additive, it is listed as E number 282 in the Codex Alimentarius. Calcium propionate is used as a preservative in a wide variety of products, including but not limited to bread, other baked goods, processed meat, whey, and other dairy products.^[2] In agriculture, it is used, amongst other things, to prevent milk fever in cows and as a feed supplement ^[3] Propionates prevent microbes from producing the energy they need, like benzoates do. However, unlike benzoates, propionates do not require an acidic environment.^[4]

Calcium propionate is used in bakery products as a mold inhibitor. Mold contamination is considered a serious problem amongst bakers, and conditions commonly found in baking present near-optimal conditions for mold growth.^[5]

A few decades ago, Bacillus mesentericus (rope), was a serious problem,^{[citation needed]} but today's improved sanitary practices in the bakery, combined with rapid turnover of the finished product, have virtually eliminated this form of spoilage.^{[citation needed]} Calcium propionate and sodium propionate are effective against both Bacillus mesentericus rope and mold.^{[citation needed]}

According to the Pesticide Action Network North America, calcium propionate is slightly toxic.^[6] This rating is not uncommon for food products; vitamin C is also rated by the same standards as being slightly toxic. ^[7] Calcium propionate can be used as a pesticide.^[8]

[edit] References

1. ^ Merck Index, 11th Edition, 1705.
2. ^ Codex Alimentarius data for calcium propionate
3. ^ Center for Food and Nutrition Policy review of use of calcium propionate as an organic agent in cow feed and as milk fever prevention
4. ^ "Ingredients -- Calcium propionate". http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/calcium_propionate.html. Retrieved 2007-03-10. 
5. ^ "Keeping molds, bacteria at bay". http://bakingmanagement.bakery-net.com/article/7448. Retrieved 2007-03-24. 
6. ^ Pesticide Action Network data on calcium propionate
7. ^ Pesticide Action Network data on Vitamin C
8. ^ Biggs, A.R., M. El-Kholi, S. El-Neshawy, and R. Nickerson. 1997. Effect of calcium salts on growth, polygalacturonase activity, and colonization of peach fruit by Monilinia fructicola. Plant Disease 81:399-403.

[edit] External links

• Food Intolerance Network activism page concerning calcium propionate