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Propionic Acid — Reference Materials for Accurate Quantification
Propionic acid Certified Reference Materials for RELIABLE Compliance and Precision
Achieve traceable, reproducible quantification of propionic acid with HPC Standards certified reference materials. Manufactured and tested to international quality requirements, our neat and solution standards enable robust calibration across GC, HPLC, and ion chromatography for food, feed, and environmental matrices. Rely on lot-specific CoAs identity, purity, uncertainty, traceability to support ISOIEC 17025 and ISO 17034 workflows, reduce method bias, and streamline audits. Tailored concentrations, custom mixes, and expert technical support ensure fast method validation and confident regulatory verification.
Product | Catalog No./ CAS No. | Quantity | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 687509 | 1X100MG | Please log in. | |
 | 680167 | 1X1ML | Please log in. |
Ensure regulatory-compliant, reproducible determination of propionic acid with certified reference materials from HPC Standards GmbH — manufactured and tested to international quality requirements for food and environmental analysis.
Overview
Propionic acid (propanoic acid) is a short-chain carboxylic acid used widely as an antimicrobial and preservative in food and feed. It occurs naturally in fermented products and is an important intermediate in industrial chemistry and environmental processes.
CAS: 79-09-4 | EC: 201-176-3 | Molecular formula: C3H6O2 | pKa ~ 4.87 | Boiling point ~ 141 °C | Miscible with water | Typical log Kow ~ -0.3.
Chemical Identity and Properties
Synonyms: Propanoic acid; Ethylformic acid. Appearance: Colorless, pungent liquid. Strong acid odor. Corrosive at higher concentrations.
Key properties for analysis: weak acid (monoprotic), volatile under GC conditions after derivatization or as free acid with suitable columns; high polarity supports ion chromatography and HPLC with ion-exclusion. Readily biodegradable; low bioaccumulation potential.
Uses and Applications
- Food preservative (E280) and related salts (E281–E283) to inhibit mold and bacterial growth in bakery products, cheese, and processed foods.
- Feed additive for silage stabilization and grain preservation.
- Intermediate in chemical synthesis (e.g., esters, cellulose propionate), and pH control in industrial processes.
Regulatory Status
- Food additive: Permitted in many jurisdictions (e.g., EU as E280; GRAS in the United States for specified uses). Maximum levels and use conditions vary by matrix—verify current local regulations.
- Feed additive: Widely authorized for preservation and hygiene functions; conditions and inclusion rates are species- and use-dependent.
- Occupational exposure: National OELs apply (consult current local/industry standards). Hazard classification typically indicates skin/eye irritation and corrosivity at higher concentrations.
Monitoring and Compliance
Routine monitoring focuses on verifying additive levels in food and feed, checking preservative efficacy in silage, and assessing releases in industrial effluents and wastewater. Laboratories support regulatory compliance, label claim verification, and process control.
Accurate quantification requires matrix-appropriate calibration, robust QC (blanks, spikes, duplicates), and traceable reference materials.
Human Toxicity
Propionic acid is an irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; corrosive effects occur at high concentrations. Ingested propionate is metabolized via normal short-chain fatty acid pathways. Occupational exposure should be minimized through engineering controls and PPE.
Acute exposure: irritation, coughing, and lacrimation. Chronic exposure: primarily local effects from repeated irritation. Always consult the current SDS and local occupational health guidance.
Environmental Impact
Propionic acid is readily biodegradable and exhibits low potential for bioaccumulation. Releases can transiently reduce pH in receiving waters and soils, potentially affecting microbial communities.
In aquatic systems, toxicity increases with concentration and lower pH; appropriate neutralization and wastewater treatment mitigate impact.
Effects on Wildlife
At environmentally relevant, controlled levels, risk is low due to rapid degradation. Elevated concentrations or pH shifts can cause stress to aquatic organisms, especially in poorly buffered waters. Site-specific risk assessments should consider dilution, buffering capacity, and degradation rates.
Safety Measures
- Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas with splash protection. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles/face shield, and lab coat. Avoid inhalation and contact with skin/eyes.
- Storage: Keep in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers; segregate from bases, oxidizers, and reactive metals. Store cool and away from ignition sources.
- Spill/neutralization: Contain, dilute/neutralize with suitable alkali under controlled conditions, prevent entry into waterways. Dispose according to local regulations.
Analytical Monitoring Strategies
- GC-FID/GC-MS: Direct analysis on acid-stable columns or after derivatization (e.g., methylation) to improve volatility and peak shape.
- HPLC (ion-exclusion or reversed-phase with ion-pairing) and UV/RI detection for aqueous and food matrices.
- Ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity for quantitative determination in water and process streams.
- Headspace/air monitoring: Sorbent tube sampling with TD-GC or on-fiber SPME followed by GC analysis.
Sample Preparation and QC
- Food/feed: Dilution in aqueous phase, pH adjustment, protein precipitation if needed, filtration. For GC, derivatize to esters when appropriate.
- Water/wastewater: Direct injection for IC/HPLC; for GC, acidification and derivatization improve sensitivity.
- Air: Calibrated vapor standards or liquid-loaded sorbent standards. Use matrix-matched calibration where feasible.
QC: Employ certified reference materials for calibration and verification; include blanks, spikes, independent check standards, and control charts.
Quality Assurance and Traceability
HPC Standards GmbH provides reference materials produced and tested in accordance with international quality requirements. Each lot is delivered with a Certificate of Analysis detailing identity, purity, uncertainty, and traceability to recognized standards to support ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 17034 compliant workflows.
Analytical Reference Materials from HPC Standards
- Propionic acid neat and solution reference materials for calibration, system suitability, and proficiency testing.
- Concentration ranges tailored for food/feed verification and environmental monitoring.
- Accompanying metabolites/related short-chain acids available on request for method robustness studies.
Benefits: Accurate quantification, reduced method bias, reproducible results across instruments and laboratories, and streamlined audits.
Storage and Stability of Reference Materials
Store sealed at recommended temperature, protected from light and moisture. Allow to equilibrate to room temperature before opening. Follow CoA for expiry, homogeneity, and requalification guidance.
Related Compounds and Matrices
Associated analytes: acetic acid, butyric acid, propionates, and other short-chain fatty acids in fermented foods, silage, and wastewater.
Typical matrices: bakery products, cheese, animal feed/silage, process waters, effluents, and ambient/occupational air.
Ordering and Technical Support
HPC Standards GmbH supports method development, selection of suitable concentration levels, and matrix-specific recommendations. Custom formulations and multi-component mixes are available upon request to align with your SOPs and regulatory requirements.