propionic acid

chemical compound

Also known as: propanoic acid

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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Propionic acid is a sharp-smelling liquid fatty acid with the chemical formula C₃H₆O₂. It is found naturally in milk and can also be derived from coal, petroleum, and wood distillates.1

Propionic acid is used as a mold inhibitor and flavoring agent. The prefix "prop-" in words like propane and propyl is related to propionic acid.12

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carboxylic acid
Nomenclature of carboxylic acids and their salts
…carbon atoms and is called propanoic acid, from propane, the name for a three-carbon chain, with -oic acid, the suffix for this class of compounds, appended. If the carboxylic acid contains a carbon-carbon double bond, the ending is changed from -anoic acid to -enoic acid to indicate the presence of…
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…carbon atoms and is called propanoic acid, from propane, the name for a three-carbon chain, with -oic acid, the suffix for this class of compounds, appended. If the carboxylic acid contains a carbon-carbon double bond, the ending is changed from -anoic acid to -enoic acid to indicate the presence of…
Read More