Potassium propionate is a food preservative commonly used in baked goods, dairy products, and processed meats. However, there are several synonyms used to describe this chemical compound, including E283, propanoic acid, and potassium salt. E283 is a code used in European Union countries to identify potassium propionate as an approved food additive. Propanoic acid is the organic compound that gives potassium propionate its antimicrobial properties, while potassium salt refers to the actual chemical makeup of the compound. When searching for potassium propionate on ingredient labels or in scientific literature, it's important to be familiar with these synonyms to ensure accurate identification and understanding.