Cas Number
Other Names
The formula
Propionic acid (from the Greek words protos, meaning "first", and pion, meaning "fat"; also known as propanoic acid) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid. It is a liquid with a pungent and unpleasant smell somewhat resembling body odor. The anionCH3CH2CO2− as well as the salts and esters of propionic acid are known as propionates (or propanoates).
Physical state and Appearance: | Liquid |
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Molecular Weight: | 74.08 g/mole |
pH (1% soln/water): | 5 [Acidic.] |
Boiling Point: | 140.99°C (285.8 °F) |
Flash point: | 54 °C |
Melting Point: | -20.8°C (-5.4 °F) |
Specific Gravity: | 0.9954 (Water = 1) |
Vapor Pressure: | 2.9 mm of Hg (@ 20 °C) |
Vapor Density: | 2.56 (Air = 1) |
Ionicity (in Water): | See solubility in water. |
Dispersion Properties: | Easily soluble in cold water. |
Purity (as water free), %: | 99.5 |
Water, %: | 0.1 |
1. Used as preservative for both animal feed and food for human consumption
2. It is major used as a preservative in baked goods
3. It is widely used as a intermediate in the production of other chemicals, especially polymers
4. Use to make pesticides and pharmaceuticals
5. Use as solvents or artificial flavorings
6. It is also used in anti-fungal foot powders & to modify synthetic cellulose fibers