propionic acid

(prō'pē-ŏn'ĭk)
n.
A liquid fatty acid, CH₃CH₂COOH, found naturally in sweat, in milk products, and as a product of bacterial fermentation. Prepared synthetically from ethyl alcohol and carbon monoxide, it is used chiefly in the form of its propionates as a mold inhibitor in bread and as an ingredient in perfume. Also called propanoic acid.

[Greek pro-, first; see pro-² + Greek pīōn, fat (from the fact that it is first in order among the fatty acids) + -IC.]

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Variant: propionic acid

A colourless liquid carboxylic acid, CH₃CH₂COOH; r.d. 0.99; m.p. –20.8°C; b.p. 141°C. It is used to make calcium propanate – an additive in bread.

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(prō'pē-ŏn'ĭk)
n.

A fatty acid found naturally in sweat and as a product of bacterial fermentation, used as a mold inhibitor in bread. Also called propanoic acid.

propanoic acid; CH₃−CH₂−COOH; a carboxylic acid, important in the energy metabolism of ruminants, in which it is formed by rumen bacteria. It is the basis of a series of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, known as substituted propionic acids; see ibuprofen.

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CH₃CH₂COOH, found in chyme and sweat, and one of the products of bacterial fermentation of wood pulp waste; also an important gluconeogenic volatile fatty acid synthesized by the ruminal microflora. Its salts (calcium and sodium propionate) are used as mold inhibitors in stock feeds and pharmaceuticals, and in topical antifungal preparations.