Propionic acid (a preservative) (from the Greek words protos, meaning “first”, and pion, meaning “fat”; also known as propanoic acid) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with chemical formula CH3CH2COOH
Contents
Uses
- As a food additive, it is approved for use in the EU, USA and Australia and New Zealand. It is listed by its INS number (280) or E number E280.
- Propionic acid is also useful as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, especially polymers. Cellulose-acetate-propionate is a useful thermoplastic. Vinyl propionate is also used. In more specialized applications, it is also used to make pesticides and pharmaceuticals. The esters of propionic acid have fruit-like odors and are sometimes used as solvents or artificial flavorings.
- In biogas plants, propionic acid is a common intermediate product, which is formed by fermenting propionic acid bacteria. Its degradation in anaerobic environments (e.g. biogas plants) requires the activity of complex microbial communitie
Benefits
- The ADVANTAGES of using Propionic Acid as a high-moisture preservative include reducing mold, reducing drying time in the field, reducing potential rain damage, reducing leaf loss from harvesting at a greater moisture content, and providing more baling flexibility. Baling can be initiated earlier in the day and can continue later into the evening allowing greater acreage to be harvested.
Cautions
- Inhalation of this product has a strong irritant to the respiratory tract, pulmonary edema can occur, steam strong eye irritation, liquid can cause serious eye damage. Skin contact can cause burns, large oral nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, autism incentives.
Interactions
n/a
Other names
Ethanecarboxylic acid
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propionic_acid#Biological_uses
Propionic Industries, http://propionicindustries.weebly.com/advantages-and-disadvantages.html