Calcium propionate

‌1. Key Properties‌

• ‌Chemical Formula‌: Ca(C₂H₅COO)₂ (anhydrous) or C₆H₁₀CaO₄·H₂O (monohydrate)

• ‌Appearance‌: White crystalline powder/granules, odorless or with slight acetic odor

• ‌Solubility‌: Highly water-soluble (39.85 g/100 mL at 20°C), pH 8–10 (10% solution)

‌2. Primary Functions‌

• ‌Preservative‌: Inhibits mold, aerobic bacilli, and Bacillus mesentericus (causes "rope" in bread)

• ‌Nutritional Additive‌: Provides bioavailable calcium (up to 21% calcium content)

• ‌Synergistic Use‌: Often combined with sodium dehydroacetate (2:3 ratio) for enhanced antifungal effects
  

‌3. Common Applications‌

• ‌Bakery‌: Bread, cakes, pastries (max 2.5 g/kg in China)916; extends shelf life by 3–7 days

• ‌Dairy‌: Cheese, yogurt (prevents surface mold)
  

• ‌Processed Foods‌: Noodles, dumpling wrappers (max 0.25 g/kg)9, cured meats
  

• ‌Animal Feed‌: Inhibits aflatoxin in livestock feed
  

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