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CAS Number: 327-62-8
Synonyms: Propionic acid potassium salt, E283, potassium propanoate, Diprotin K, propionan draselný (Czech)
Physical Properties: White crystalline powder or free-flowing granular solid (hygroscopic, deliquescent). Very soluble in water (approx. 90 g/100 mL at 20°C). Slightly soluble in ethanol. Practically insoluble in acetone. Molecular weight 112.17 g/mol (anhydrous). Melting point >300°C (decomposes). pH of 10% solution is 8.5–10.0 (alkaline; stronger alkaline than sodium or calcium propionate due to potassium hydroxide formation upon hydrolysis). Density 1.45 g/cm³. Very faint characteristic odor (similar to propionic acid, less noticeable than E280). Potassium content is approximately 35% K⁺ by weight. Stable in dry form; deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air, forming a sticky mass); must be stored airtight.
Applications: Bakery products (bread including low-sodium breads, gluten-free breads, rye, sourdough; tortillas, flatbreads, pita, English muffins, bagels, cakes, pastries, and buns) used especially when sodium reduction and potassium enrichment are desired. Dairy (processed cheese, cheese spreads, cottage cheese, cream cheese, fermented milk products). Animal feed (mold inhibitor for poultry, swine, cattle, and pet food; also as a potassium supplement in mineral premixes). Fruit and vegetable preservation (post-harvest dip for berries, grapes, and citrus, though experimental and less common). Pharmaceuticals (preservative in liquid medicines, especially those for hypertensive patients needing low sodium). Cosmetics (preservative in creams, lotions, and oral care products including toothpaste and mouthwash). Industrial (corrosion inhibitor in antifreeze and metalworking fluids).
Description:
Potassium propionate (E283) is the potassium salt of propionic acid and is the least commonly used of the three major propionate food preservatives (E281, E282, E283). Its primary advantage is that it provides zero sodium while supplying a significant amount of potassium, approximately 35 percent by weight, which is beneficial for individuals on low-sodium diets or those requiring potassium supplementation, such as patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or those taking thiazide diuretics. In an era of increasing focus on reducing dietary sodium, with the World Health Organization recommending less than 2 grams of sodium per day (equivalent to less than 5 grams of salt), potassium propionate offers an attractive alternative to sodium propionate (E281). Additionally, potassium propionate can serve as a dual-function additive: preservative plus potassium fortificant. Many consumers have inadequate potassium intake, as the Dietary Reference Intake for adults is 4700 milligrams per day but average intake is only 2500 to 3000 milligrams per day, so potassium-enriched breads can help close this gap.
The antimicrobial mechanism of potassium propionate is identical to that of other propionates: dissociation into propionate and K⁺, followed by protonation of propionate to propionic acid in the slightly acidic food matrix at pH 5 to 6. The undissociated propionic acid then diffuses into mold cells, including Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Mucor, and rope-forming Bacillus species, acidifying the cytoplasm and disrupting metabolism. At typical bakery usage levels of 1000 to 4000 parts per million based on flour weight, potassium propionate effectively extends mold-free shelf life to 14 to 21 days.
One practical limitation is that potassium propionate is more alkaline than the other propionates, with a pH of a 10 percent solution ranging from 8.5 to 10.0, compared to sodium propionate at pH 8.0 to 9.5 and calcium propionate at pH 7.5 to 9.0. In dough systems, this higher alkalinity can affect yeast fermentation because Saccharomyces cerevisiae prefers a slightly acidic environment, with an optimal pH of 4.5 to 5.5. At high usage levels above 4000 parts per million, potassium propionate may raise dough pH sufficiently to slow yeast activity, reduce gas production, and result in lower bread volume. To avoid this, bakers either reduce the dosage or add a small amount of acid such as monocalcium phosphate, fumaric acid, or lactic acid to buffer the pH. Additionally, the potassium ion (K⁺) at high concentrations can influence the rheology of gluten, sometimes producing a tighter, less extensible dough that requires formulation adjustments such as adding more water or dough conditioners.
Despite these challenges, potassium propionate is gaining popularity in "clean label" and "plant-based" products because potassium is perceived positively by consumers, unlike sodium which is viewed negatively. It is also free from calcium, which some consumers wish to avoid due to unfounded concerns about calcium supplements. In the European Union, E283 is authorized for the same uses as E281 and E282, with maximum levels of 2000 milligrams per kilogram (as propionic acid) in bread and bakery wares. In the United States, it is GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1784. In organic products under USDA Organic standards, potassium propionate is not allowed because synthetic propionates are prohibited, but cultured (fermented) forms may be used. Compared to calcium propionate (E282), which provides calcium (a desirable nutrient for bone health), potassium propionate provides potassium (desirable for heart health). Neither contributes sodium. The choice between E282 and E283 depends on the nutritional target of the final product.
In low-sodium bread marketed to hypertensive individuals, potassium propionate is preferred because hypertension is often treated with potassium-increasing and sodium-lowering diets. Some clinical studies suggest that replacing sodium propionate with potassium propionate in bread could reduce sodium intake by 150 to 300 milligrams per slice, which is significant for daily accumulation. However, the slightly higher cost of potassium propionate, about 20 to 30 percent more than sodium propionate, limits its use to premium health-oriented breads. In animal feed, potassium propionate is less common than calcium propionate because calcium is often more needed in livestock rations for bone development, eggshell quality, and milk production. However, for stress conditions such as heat stress in poultry, potassium propionate is used because K⁺ supplementation helps maintain electrolyte balance. Toxicologically, potassium propionate is very safe: propionate is a normal human metabolite, and potassium is an essential nutrient. The only potential issue is for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who cannot excrete excess potassium; they must limit potassium intake from all sources, including potassium propionate-fortified foods. For the general population, E283 is considered safe. Overall, potassium propionate is a specialized preservative for sodium-free, potassium-enriched foods, and its use is steadily increasing in functional bakery products.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT E283 – POTASSIUM PROPIONATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
