Calcium propionate is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(C2H5COO)2. Here are some key properties and uses:
_Properties_
1. _Chemical Formula_: Ca(C2H5COO)2
2. _Molecular Weight_: 186.22 g/mol
3. _Appearance_: White crystalline powder
4. _Solubility_: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in organic solvents
5. _pH_: 6-8 (1% aqueous solution)
_Uses_
1. _Food Preservative_: Calcium propionate is used as a food preservative to prevent mold and bacterial growth in:
1. Baked goods (e.g., bread, cakes, pastries)
2. Cheese and dairy products
3. Meat and poultry products
4. Fruits and vegetables
2. _Pharmaceutical Applications_: It is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical applications, such as:
1. Tablet and capsule formulations
2. Injectable solutions
3. Topical creams and ointments
3. _Animal Feed_: Calcium propionate is used as a feed additive in animal nutrition to:
1. Improve feed efficiency
2. Enhance growth rates
3. Reduce mortality rates
