CH3CH23COOK

CH3CH23COOK, also known as potassium butyrate, is the potassium salt of butyric acid. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid with the chemical formula CH3CH2CH2COOH. In potassium butyrate, the acidic proton of butyric acid is replaced by a potassium ion. Its molecular formula is C4H7KO2 and it has a molar mass of approximately 110.19 g/mol.

Potassium butyrate typically appears as a white crystalline solid. It is soluble in water and often has a characteristic, strong, and unpleasant odor, which is common to butyric acid and its derivatives. This odor is due to the presence of the butyryl group.

In biological systems, potassium butyrate plays a role as a source of energy for colonocytes, the cells lining the colon. It is produced in the gut by the bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber. This energy source is vital for maintaining the integrity and function of the intestinal barrier. Studies have explored its potential applications in various fields, including animal feed supplements to improve gut health and performance, and in human health research related to inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic disorders. Its chemical properties also lend it to use in certain chemical synthesis processes.