Chemical
Products
Propionic Acid
Cas Number
79-09-4
Other Names
Propionic acid,
Ethanecarboxylic acid
The formula
C2H5COOH
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 |
|---|---|
| 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