Product Name: Sodium Propionate
Chemical Formula: C3H5NaO2
Synonyms: Propionic acid sodium salt, E281
Recommended Use: Food preservative, antifungal agent
Supplier: Chemical manufacturers and distributors
CAS Number: 137-40-6
Contact Information: Provided on container label; emergency contacts typically listed
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 3)
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin irritation; causes serious eye irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (GHS07)
Precautionary Statements: Avoid eye and prolonged skin contact; wash hands thoroughly after handling
Potential Health Effects: May irritate eyes and skin, rarely triggers allergic reaction, inhalation can irritate respiratory tract
Chemical Name: Sodium Propionate
Concentration: Typically over 99% by weight
Impurities: Minor levels of water and sodium carbonate possible
Ingredient Classification: Food grade and technical grades differentiated by purity levels
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth well, drink water if conscious, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person
General Advice: Seek medical attention in case of persistent symptoms, show container or label to physician
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, sodium oxides, acrid smoke
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and suitable protective clothing
Fire & Explosion Hazards: Dust may form explosive mixtures with air; use caution in confined spaces
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up and collect in suitable containers for disposal, avoid raising dust
Personal Precautions: Wear protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, sewers, or water sources
Decontamination: Clean spill area with water after material pickup is complete
Handling: Use with adequate ventilation, avoid contact with eyes or prolonged skin exposure, wash thoroughly after use
Storage: Store in tightly closed container away from moisture and incompatible substances, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location
Storage Conditions: Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight, segregate from acids and oxidizers
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation preferred
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask where dusting potential exists
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Faint odor of propionic acid
Odor Threshold: No data available
pH (1% solution): 8.0–10.5
Melting Point: Above 285°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
Bulk Density: 0.7-1.2 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -0.51
Viscosity: Not relevant (solid substance)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids (releases propionic acid fumes)
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, exposure to acids, excessive temperatures
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, sodium oxides under fire conditions
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 3000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Mild irritant potential
Eye Irritation: Causes irritation, risk of redness and tearing
Inhalation Risk: Dust may cause respiratory tract irritation
Chronic Effects: No evidence of chronic toxicity at typical exposure levels
Sensitization: Not known to cause sensitization
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No available data suggests genotoxic risk
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life at normal concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate due to high solubility
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, potential to leach into groundwater if large spills
Other Effects: Large releases can impact aquatic ecosystems short-term by increasing sodium load in water
Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations, avoid landfill disposal if possible
Waste Treatment: Preferred treatment includes controlled industrial incineration or authorized chemical waste processing
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or discarding; follow hazardous material guidelines if residues remain
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous for transport
Shipping Name: Sodium Propionate
Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Prevent packaging damage and control dust during transport
TSCA: Listed
EU REACH: Registered
FDA (Food Use): Approved for use as food additive (21 CFR 184.1784)
OSHA: Not considered hazardous under US regulations
WHMIS: Not controlled
Other Regulations: Included in food additives legislation globally, with allowable limits set for specific products