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Sodium Propionate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H5NaO2
CAS number
137-40-6
IUPAC name
sodium;propanoate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium propionate exists as a solid. It is stable under normal conditions and can exist as a white crystalline powder. The compound remains solid up to its melting point.

Melting point (Celsius)
289.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
562.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
240.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
513.00
General information
Molecular weight
96.06g/mol
Molar mass
96.0600g/mol
Density
1.5490g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium propionate is a white crystalline solid or powder. It is highly soluble in water and has a faint smell similar to that of acetic acid due to its sodium propionate composition. The compound is visually distinct due to its crystal-like granular texture when in solid form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Propanoate

Sodium propanoate, with the chemical formula NaC2H5COO, is known for its good solubility in water. Here are some key points about its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Sodium propanoate is highly soluble in water due to the ionic nature of its sodium ion and the polar nature of the propanoate ion.
  • Temperature Dependence: Solubility can be influenced by temperature; generally, as temperature increases, the solubility of sodium propanoate tends to increase.
  • Effect of pH: The solubility may also vary with changes in pH, as the dissociation of propanoate ions can be affected by the acidity of the solution.

In practical applications, the high solubility of sodium propanoate makes it an effective additive in food preservation and as a buffer in biochemical applications. Its ability to dissolve readily allows it to participate easily in chemical reactions and biological processes. As a general rule, compounds that contain sodium and organic anions, like sodium propanoate, are typically classified as soluble in aqueous solutions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Propanoate

Sodium propanoate, also known as sodium propionate, is a fascinating chemical compound that belongs to the group of carboxylate salts. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Food Preservation: Sodium propanoate is widely used as a food preservative due to its ability to inhibit the growth of mold and certain bacteria. It is particularly effective in baked goods, allowing them to maintain freshness for longer periods.
  • Pharmaceutical Applications: In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium propanoate is utilized as a buffering agent. It helps to stabilize the pH levels of various formulations, ensuring the efficacy and safety of medications.
  • Biochemical Role: In the realm of biochemistry, sodium propanoate plays a crucial role as a source of propanoate ions within cellular metabolic pathways, contributing to energy production and various biosynthetic processes.
  • Sodium Salts: As a sodium salt of propanoic acid, sodium propanoate shares many chemical properties with other sodium carboxylates. This makes it an interesting subject for studies in organic chemistry, particularly concerning its reactivity and interactions with other compounds.
  • Safety Profile: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in food applications, sodium propanoate presents a low toxicity risk. Nonetheless, its effects on the gut microbiota have sparked interest and ongoing research in the field of nutrition.

In summary, sodium propanoate is more than just a simple salt; it serves multiple functional roles across various industries. As scientists and chemistry students explore its diverse applications, it is essential to appreciate the compound's contribution not only to food preservation but also to health and safety in a wide range of settings. As famed chemist Linus Pauling once said, "Science is the search for truth." The study of compounds like sodium propanoate exemplifies this pursuit.