Sodium Dehydroacetate: A Versatile Preservative for the Chemical Industry

Introduction

Sodium dehydroacetate, also known as sodium dehydroacetate monohydrate, is chemically named 3- (1-hydroxyethylene) -6-methyl-1,2-pyran-2,4 (3H) - diketone sodium (2H-pyran-2,4 (3H) - dione). The molecular formula is C8H7NaO4.

White or nearly white crystalline powder, non-toxic and odorless. Easily soluble in water, glycerol, and propylene glycol, slightly soluble in ethanol and acetone. The aqueous solution remains stable at 120 ℃ and remains neutral or slightly alkaline even after being heated for 2 hours. Good light and heat resistance, can be used as a preservative; Anti-corrosion insecticides; Food additives.

Figure 1 Characteristics of Sodium dehydroacetate

Mechanism of action

Sodium dehydroacetate, as a food preservative, mainly works by inhibiting microbial growth and maintaining food freshness through the following mechanisms.

Inhibition of microbial growth: Sodium dehydroacetate can release free acetate ions in food, which can penetrate the microbial cell membrane, interfere with the activity of intracellular dehydrogenases, and thus block the microbial growth process. Sodium dehydroacetate can also inhibit enzyme activity within microbial cells, preventing them from metabolizing normally and achieving bactericidal effects The effect of bacteria.

Regulating acid-base balance: Sodium dehydroacetate can play a role in regulating acid-base balance in the food environment, maintaining the stability of food. In a suitable acidic and alkaline environment, the growth and reproduction ability of microorganisms is low, thus playing a role in protecting food.

Scope of application of sodium dehydroacetate

Sodium dehydroacetate is widely used in various fields of the food industry, such as pastries, biscuits, meat products, fruit and vegetable products, seasonings, etc. It has good adaptability to different types of food, can inhibit common bacteria, molds, and yeast, and can also function in a wide range of acidity and alkalinity.

Application of Sodium Dehydroacetate in Pastry and Biscuit Processing: As a high-quality food preservative, sodium dehydroacetate can effectively inhibit microbial contamination in pastry, extend the shelf life of pastries and biscuits, and maintain their flavor and taste. Meanwhile, due to its strong adaptability to acidity and alkalinity, sodium dehydroacetate can be used in various formulations without adversely affecting the quality of pastries and cookies.

Application of Sodium Dehydroacetate in Meat Processing: Meat products are susceptible to microbial contamination during production and storage, leading to spoilage and deterioration. The use of sodium dehydroacetate can inhibit microbial growth in meat products, reduce the possibility of spoilage, extend their shelf life, and also improve the reliability and safety of meat products.

Reference

[1] Yan Q, Zhang J, Dong H, et al. Properties and antimicrobial activities of starch–sodium alginate composite films incorporated with sodium dehydroacetate or rosemary extract[J]. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2013, 127(3): 1951-1958.

[2] Li L, Tang X, Ouyang Q, et al. Combination of sodium dehydroacetate and sodium silicate reduces sour rot of citrus fruit[J]. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2019, 151: 19-25.