Propansyre

Propansyre, also known as propanoic acid, is a short-chain carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH3CH2COOH. It is a colorless, oily liquid with a pungent, rancid odor. It is naturally produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates by certain bacteria, and is also found in trace amounts in dairy products and some fruits.

Industrially, propansyre is primarily produced by the hydrocarboxylation of ethene, also known as the Koch reaction. It can also be synthesized by the oxidation of propanal. Propansyre is soluble in water, ethanol, and ether.

Propansyre has various applications. It is used as a preservative in animal feed and as a mold inhibitor in bread and other baked goods. Its derivatives, such as calcium propionate and sodium propionate, are also widely used as food preservatives. In the chemical industry, propansyre serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and herbicides. It is also used in the production of cellulose acetate propionate, a plastic used in coatings and films. The pungent odor of propansyre is a distinguishing characteristic that can be detected even at low concentrations.