7 Propionic Acid Uses: Facts You Should Know!

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Propionic acid (chemical formula CH3CH2CO2H) belongs to a class of organic compound known as carboxylic acid. Let us see various uses of Propionic acid.

Propionic acid, also know as methyl acetic acid, a naturally occurring colourless liquid with an unpleasant smell, has various uses

  • As pesticides
  • In food processing
  • In pharmaceuticals
  • As chemical intermediates

Let us focus on the uses of propionic acid in detail in this article.

As pesticides

  • As pesticide, propionic acid is used as herbicide, fungicide as well as antimicrobial agent. It has the ability to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
  • CH3CH2CO2H is used to sanitize the places where feed and grain are stored. In poultry, it is sprayed into drinking water of livestock and poultry waste to remove fungi and bacteria.

In food processing

  • Propionic acid is used as a food preservative in cheese and different bakery products as it can inhibit the growth of molds by 0.1- 1% by weight and also has antibacterial properties.
  • Methyl acetic acid, in the form of ester, have fruity smell; hence used as artificial flavoring agent.

In pharmaceutical industries

Anti-inflammatory remedies which belong to the class of 2-aryl-propionic acids are manufactured in pharma industries where propionic acid is used as one of ingredient. Moreover, CH3CH2CO2H is also used in the pharmaceutical formulation because of it’s antibacterial property.

As chemical intermediates

  • Propionic acid is used as a very common chemical intermediate in rubber, plastic, dye, textile and cosmetic industries.
  • CH3CH2CO2H is also used in manufacture of plasticizers.

Conclusion

Propionic acid has the capacity to control the growth of microorganisms so it is widely used in food processing industries, pharmaceutical industries as well as used as fungicide and herbicide within permissible limit. It has a significant role as chemical intermediates for different useful compounds.