Propionic Acid

Propionic acid is an organic compound with the formula C3H6O2. It is a colorless liquid with a sharp, penetrating odor. It is produced industrially by fermentation and can also be synthesized in the laboratory. The synthesis reaction for propionic acid involves ethylene and acetic acid, in which the hydrogen of the ethylene molecule is replaced by propionyloxy (CH3CH2COOH).