Propionic Acid

C₃H₆O₂

IUPAC: Propanoic acid

CAS: 79-09-4

Overview

Propionic acid is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with a pungent odor. It is widely used as a food preservative to inhibit mold growth.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 6 1.0080
Carbon C 3 12.0110
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×6
8.2%
C
Carbon ×3
48.6%
O
Oxygen ×2
43.2%

Uses

  • • Food preservative
  • • Animal feed additive
  • • Chemical intermediate

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Swiss cheese gets its distinctive flavor partly from propionic acid

Safety

  • ⚠ Corrosive
  • ⚠ Irritant

Structure

SMILES

CCC(=O)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
74.08 g/mol
Density
0.9900 g/cm³
Melting Point
-20.5 °C
Boiling Point
141.2 °C
Solubility
miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
74.0368
XLogP
0.3
TPSA
37.3 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
1
Heavy Atoms
5
Complexity
40.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Propionic Acid?
Propionic Acid (C₃H₆O₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Propanoic acid.
What is the molecular weight of Propionic Acid?
Propionic Acid has a molar mass of 74.08 g/mol.
What state is Propionic Acid at room temperature?
Propionic Acid is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Propionic Acid organic or inorganic?
Propionic Acid is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Propionic Acid?
Propionic Acid (C₃H₆O₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).