Propionic acid

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Propionic acid (, from the Greek words πρῶτος : prōtos, meaning "first", and πίων : píōn, meaning "fat"; also known as propanoic acid) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with chemical formula CH3CH2CO2H. It is an oily liquid with a pungent and unpleasant smell. The anion CH3CH2CO−2 as well as the salts and esters of propionic acid are known as propionates or propanoates. Propionic acid is the third simplest carboxylic acid, with the first two being formic acid and acetic acid. About half of the world production of propionic acid is consumed as a preservative for both animal feed and food for human consumption. It is also useful as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, especially polymers.

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