Organic Acids
REACH
Propionic acid
CAS Number
79-09-4
EC Number
201-176-3
E Number
E280
FEMA Number
FEMA 2924
What is Propionic acid?
Propionic acid (CAS 79-09-4), also designated E280 in food additive legislation, is a short-chain carboxylic acid used commercially as a preservative, acidulant, and chemical intermediate.
Where is Propionic acid used?
- Food and feed: antimicrobial against mold and certain bacteria
- Baked goods and dairy: shelf-life extension
- Grain and silage: direct application to harvested crops to prevent spoilage during storage
- Flavor and fragrance: building block for propionate ester synthesis including ethyl and isoamyl propionate
- Chemical synthesis: catalyst precursor and intermediate in production of herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and plastics
- By inhibiting mold growth at low inclusion rates, it allows formulators to reduce or replace synthetic preservative blends.
Commercial specifications
- Clear liquid, typically 99%+ purity for technical and industrial grades
- Food-grade material conforming to FCC and E280 specifications
- Grades meet purity and impurity thresholds required for direct food contact use
- Bulk supply in drums, IBCs, and tanker quantities
Other Names (Synonyms)
pseudoacetic acid|proprionic acid|methylacetic acid|metacetonic acid|ethylformic acid|ethanecarboxylic acid|CH3-CH2-COOH|propanoic acid|E280
What are the physical properties of Propionic acid?
Melting Point -20.7 °C
Boiling Point 141.1 °C
Density 0.9930 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 125 °F
Appearance Propionic acid is a colorless liquid. Sharp, rancid odor. The Odor Threshold is 0.16 ppm.
Color ≤10, APHA:
Odor at 0.10 % in propylene glycol. pungent acidic cheesy vinegar
Form Liquid
Water Solubility 37 g/100 mL
Vapor Pressure 2.4 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.386(lit.)
pH 2.5 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P 0.33 at 25℃
How is Propionic acid classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS02· Flammable GHS07· Irritant GHS06· Toxic
Hazard Statements
H226 Flammable liquid and vapor
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H303 May be harmful if swallowed
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Propionic acid?
HS Code 29155000
UN Number 3463
ADR Class 8
Packing Group II
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany) 1