Potassium propanoate

• Kaliumpropanoat
• E 283

Colorless crystalline platelets

Fixed

> 300 ° C

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Potassium propionate is the potassium salt of the propionic acid. The chemical compound is used in the food industry as a preservative of the number E 283, particularly in sliced ​​bread and pastries. The hygroscopic salt crystallized from aqueous solutions as a monohydrate ( C2H5COOK · H2O).

Properties

Potassium propionate crystallizes as a monohydrate, which gives off its water of crystallization at 120 ° C.

Safety

Prolonged administration of propionic acid and propionates in the feed of rats in doses from 0.6 to 5 %, these changes of the forestomach ( thickening and inflammation ) cause. This is classified as species-specific for rat reaction, since in other species such as mice and rabbits, no effects were observed.

Situation in Germany

The use of propionic acid or its sodium, potassium or calcium salt in foods were forbidden in the Federal Republic of Germany from 1 January 1988, there is no more need for the use was seen. In the EU, however, the use is permitted again.