Calcium propionate

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Calcium propionate[1]
IUPAC name Calcium propanoate
Other names Calcium propionate
Mycoban
Identifiers
CAS number [4075-81-4]
PubChem 19999
EINECS 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 disclaimer and references

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

Contents

[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 bakery 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] Behavioral effects

Calcium propionate has been weakly linked to irritability, restlessness, inattention, and sleep disturbance in children.[9] The Ecologist Online claims that it is linked to allergic reactions in bakery workers.[10]

[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. Retrieved on 2007-03-10.
  5. ^ Keeping molds, bacteria at bay. Retrieved on 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.
  9. ^ Pubmed document
  10. ^ the ecologist doc. 307

[edit] External links