Propionic acid
Also known as Propanoic acid, methylacetic acid, ethylformic acid
Key facts
What buyers check first
- Appearance
- Colorless, oily liquid [Note: A solid below 5 degrees F]
- Melting point
- -21.5 °C
- Boiling point
- 141.1 °C
- Density
- 0.993 g/cm³ at 20 °C
- Flash point
- 52 °C
- HS code
- 291550
- Category
- Cosmetic preservatives
- UN number
- UN 1848
What is Propionic acid?
Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms
Propionic acid is a short-chain saturated fatty acid comprising ethane attached to the carbon of a carboxy group. It has a role as an antifungal drug. It is a saturated fatty acid and a short-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a propionate.
Identifiers
Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy
- IUPAC name
- propanoic acid
- CAS number
- 79-09-4 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 90990-11-7
- EC numbers
- 201-176-3, 292-772-2
- Molecular formula
- C3H6O2
- UNII
- JHU490RVYR
- MDL number
- MFCD00002756
- INCI name
- PROPIONIC ACID
- InChIKey
- XBDQKXXYIPTUBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C3H6O2/c1-2-3(4)5/h2H2,1H3,(H,4,5)
- SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
- CCC(=O)O
Synonyms
- Propanoic acid
- methylacetic acid
- ethylformic acid
- Carboxyethane
- Metacetonic acid
- Luprosil
- Ethanecarboxylic acid
- Pseudoacetic acid
- Monoprop
- Prozoin
- Antischim B
- Propionoic acid
- Methyl acetic acid
- Acide propionique
- Sentry grain preserver
- Propcorn
- Propkorn
- C3 acid
- Tenox P grain preservative
- Adofeed
- Propionic acid grain preserver
- Kyselina propionova
- INS NO.280
- Propionic acid (natural)
- Propionsaeure
Show all 34 synonymsShow fewer synonyms
- propoic acid
- Propioic acid
- acide propanoique
- n-propionic acid
- Toxi-Check
- CH3-CH2-COOH
- FA 3:0
- Propionic acid (NF)
- Propionic acid [UN1848] [Corrosive]
Physical and chemical properties
Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure
Physical and chemical properties
Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade
| Appearance | Colorless, oily liquid [Note: A solid below 5 degrees F]exp.Measured value |
|---|---|
| Odour | Slightly pungent disagreeable, rancid odorexp.Measured value |
| Taste | SOUR & MILDLY CHEESE-LIKEexp.Measured value |
| Melting point | -21.5 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Boiling point | 141.1 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Density | 0.993 g/cm³ at 20 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Flash point | 52 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Autoignition temperature | 465 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Solubility | In water, 1.0 × 10⁺⁶ mg/L at 25 °C /miscible/exp.Measured value |
| Vapour pressure | 3.3 mm Hg at 27.6 °Cexp.Measured value |
Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.
Computed descriptors
Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation
| Molecular weight | 74.08 g/molcalc.Computed value |
|---|---|
| Exact mass | 74.0368 Dacalc.Computed value |
| LogP (octanol/water) | 0.48calc.Computed value |
| Topological polar surface area | 37.3 Ųcalc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond donors | 1calc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond acceptors | 1calc.Computed value |
| Rotatable bonds | 1calc.Computed value |
| Heavy atoms | 5calc.Computed value |
| Rings | 0calc.Computed value |
| Aromatic rings | 0calc.Computed value |
| Fraction sp3 carbons | 0.67calc.Computed value |
| Formal charge | 0calc.Computed value |
| Stereocentres | 0calc.Computed value |
| Lipinski rule of five | Passes (0 violations)calc.Computed value |
Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.
Safety and hazards
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet
Hazard statements
- H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements (12)
- P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
- P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
- P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
- P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
- P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
- P405Store locked up.
- P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
- UN number
- UN 1848
- Transport hazard class
- 8
- Packing group
- III
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.
Full safety data and first aidPropionic acid suppliers
Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings
- India, ChennaiUnclaimed profilePropionic AcidGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- United States, West Palm BeachUnclaimed profilePropionic AcidGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- United States, WayneUnclaimed profilePropionic AcidGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Germany, Monheim am Rhein ManufacturerUnclaimed profilePropionic AcidGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Switzerland, VouvryUnclaimed profilePropionic AcidGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Colombia, BogotaUnclaimed profilePropionic AcidGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Taiwan, Kaohsiung City ManufacturerUnclaimed profilePropionic AcidGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- GermanyUnclaimed profilePropionic AcidGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- United StatesUnclaimed profilePropionic AcidGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Price on request
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Where suppliers are based
203 suppliers in 33 countries
- China60
- United States42
- India33
- Germany10
- United Kingdom9
- France4
- and 27 more countries
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Propionic acid price
Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers
Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.
Uses and applications
What the substance is used for, by industry and function
Veterinary medication:.
Chemical intermediate for calcium, sodium propionates, cellulose propionate plastics, plasticizers, pharmaceuticals, chemical intermediate for the herbicides dalapon, erbon, and propanil, grain preservative.
Industrial uses: Intermediate, Soil amendments (fertilizers), Preservative, Processing aids not otherwise specified, pH regulating agent, Solvent, Lubricating agent.
Consumer uses: Soil amendments (fertilizers), Preservative, Intermediate, Solvent, Binder.
Use classes: Food additives, Cosmetics.
Industries and functions
Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name PROPIONIC ACID(antimicrobial, fragrance, preservative, ph adjusters)
Roles
- antifungal agent
- antifungal drug
- antiinfective agent
- antimicrobial agent
- pharmaceutical
Functional uses
- Biocide
- Flavouring and nutrient
- Fragrance
- Preservative
- Solvent
- pH regulating agent
Cosmetic functions
- Antimicrobial
- Fragrance
- Ph adjusters
- Preservative
How it is made
Can be obtained from wood pulp waste by fermentation process using bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium: Wayman et al., US patent 3,067,107 (1962 to Columbia Cellulose). ... From ethanol and carbon monoxide using a boron trifluoride catalyst: Loder, US patent 2,135,448, US patent 2,135,451, US patent 2,135,453 (all 1939 to du Pont) ... by oxidation of propionaldehyde: Hasche, US patent 2,294,984 (1942 to Kodak).
By the reaction of carbon monoxide with hydrogen and olefins or alcohols.
Liquid phase oxidation of butane.
Regulatory status
Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance
Europe
- EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)Index no: 607-089-00-0
Health and food
- EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V, allowed preservativeName: PROPIONIC ACID / AMMONIUM PROPIONATE / CALCIUM PROPIONATE / MAGNESIUM PROPIONATE / POTASSIUM PROPIONATE / SODIUM PROPIONATE, Ref no: 2, Annex ref: V/2
- Food additive
United States
- TSCA inventory (USA)Status: Active in US commerce
HS code and trade data
Customs classification and reported world trade statistics
Global trade
World import and export statistics for the HS code Propionic acid is traded under.
Propionic acid, its salts and esters
- United States26.5%
- China22.5%
- Netherlands14.6%
- Netherlands15.2%
- India * partner reported7.6%
- United States7.6%
* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.
The HS code shown for Propionic acid is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.
Related chemicals
Parent and salt forms, stereoisomers, similar structures and isomers
Salt and hydrate forms
Records that share this compound as their parent
Stereoisomers and isotopic forms
Same connectivity, different stereochemistry or isotopes (same InChIKey skeleton)
Similar structures
Nearest neighbours by Morgan fingerprint Tanimoto similarity
Same formula isomers
Different compounds that share this molecular formula
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Propionic acid, based on the data on this page
What is Propionic acid?
What is the CAS number of Propionic acid?
What is the molecular formula and weight of Propionic acid?
What is Propionic acid used for?
Is Propionic acid hazardous?
What is the HS code of Propionic acid?
Where can I buy Propionic acid?
Where can I buy Propionic acid in India?
What is the price of Propionic acid?
Guides for buyers
Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Propionic acid
- Article, FormulationHow to choose a cosmetic emulsifierA structured way to choose an emulsifier for creams and lotions: emulsion type, HLB and its limits, emulsifier families, formula fit, stability testing and what to ask suppliers.Read
- Guide, SafetyHow to read a safety data sheet in 10 minutesA section by section method to pull the essentials out of any 16 section SDS: identity, hazards, composition, storage, PPE, properties, transport and emergency measures.Read
- Guide, Trade and logisticsShipping dangerous goods: UN numbers, classes and packing groupsHow the UN dangerous goods system works for chemicals, from the nine classes and UN numbers to packing groups, UN packaging marks, labels, documents and segregation.Read
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