Potassium propanoate or potassium propionate has formula K(C2H5COO). Its melting point is 410 °C. It is the potassium salt of propanoic acid.
[1] As a food additive, it is listed as E number 283 in the Codex Alimentarius. sodium 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] Potassium propionate is used in bakery products as a mold inhibitor, typically at 0.1-0.4%
[5] Potassium propionate can be used as a pesticide
| Parameter |
GB25548-2010 |
FCC IV |
E 282 |
| Assay |
Min.99.0 % |
98.0%-100.5% |
Min.99.0 % |
| PH of a 10% aqueous solution |
---- |
7.5-10.5 |
6.0-9.0 |
| Insoluble Substances |
Max.0.3% |
Max.0.3% |
Max.0.3% |
| Loss on drying |
Max.9.5%(120ºC,2h) |
Max.5.0% |
Max.4%(105ºC,2h) |
| Free acid and basicity |
Passes test |
---- |
---- |
| Fluoride (as F) |
Max.30mg/kg |
Max.0.003% |
Max.10mg/kg |
| Iron |
Max.50mg/kg |
---- |
Max.50mg/kg |
| Arsenic (as As) |
Max.3mg/kg |
---- |
Max.3mg/kg |
| Magnesium(as MgO) |
---- |
Passes test |
---- |
| Mercury |
---- |
---- |
Max.1mg/kg |
| Lead(as Pb) |
---- |
Max.2mg/kg |
Max.5mg/kg |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) |
Max.10 mg/kg |
---- |
Max.10mg/kg |
Audited Supplier 
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