Propionic acid

Model NO.: HQ-10

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Product Description

Propionic Acid (C₃H₆O₂) Product Introduction

1. Product Overview

Propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH), also known as propanoic acid, is a three-carbon carboxylic acid with the molecular formula C₃H₆O₂. It is a colorless, oily liquid with a pungent, slightly sweet odor. As a versatile organic acid, propionic acid plays a critical role in various industries including food preservation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis.

With a molecular weight of 74.08 g/mol and a density of 0.993 g/cm³ at 20°C, propionic acid is miscible with water, ethanol, and ether. It exhibits both acidic and antimicrobial properties, making it an ideal preservative and chemical intermediate.

2. Physical and Chemical Properties

Property	Value
Chemical Formula	CH₃CH₂COOH
Molecular Weight	74.08 g/mol
Purity	≥99.0% (industrial grade); ≥99.5% (food grade)
Appearance	Colorless liquid with pungent odor
Density	0.993 g/cm³ at 20°C
Boiling Point	141°C
Melting Point	-20.5°C
Flash Point	54°C (closed cup)
Solubility	Miscible with water, ethanol, and ether
pH Value	~2.5 (100 g/L aqueous solution)
Hazard Class	UN 3463, Class 8 (Corrosive), Class 3 (Flammable Liquid)

3. Key Chemical Characteristics

Unique Properties

Propionic acid is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid found in small amounts in dairy products. It has a pKa of 4.87, making it a stronger acid than acetic acid (pKa 4.76).

Reactivity

Acidic Properties: Exhibits typical carboxylic acid behavior, reacting with bases to form propionate salts
Esterification: Reacts with alcohols to form propionate esters
Redox Properties: Can be oxidized to carbon dioxide and water under certain conditions
Antimicrobial Properties: Inhibits mold and bacterial growth by disrupting cell membranes

Hazardous Properties

Flammability: Flammable within the range of 2.1-12% in air
Corrosiveness: Strongly corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
Toxicity: LD50 2600 mg/kg (rat, oral)

4. Applications

Food Industry

Preservative: Used as E280 in baked goods, cheese, and packaged foods to inhibit mold and bacterial growth
Flavor Enhancer: Provides a fruity aroma in flavor formulations
Cheese Production: Naturally produced during cheese fermentation

Agriculture and Animal Feed

Silage Preservation: Improves fermentation and aerobic stability of silage
Grain Storage: Prevents fungal growth in stored grains
Animal Feed Additive: Added to feed to improve digestion and nutrient absorption

Pharmaceutical Industry

Intermediate: Used in the synthesis of vitamin B6 and other drugs
pH Regulator: Adjusts pH in pharmaceutical formulations
Topical Applications: Used in some skin treatments

Chemical Synthesis

Propionate Salts: Precursor for producing calcium propionate and sodium propionate
Herbicide Production: Intermediate for manufacturing herbicides and fungicides
Plasticizers: Used in the synthesis of cellulose esters and plasticizers

Other Applications

Leather Tanning: Used in leather processing as a pH regulator
Textile Industry: Used in dyeing processes
Fragrances: Provides a fruity note in perfumes

5. Safety and Handling

Exposure Limits

TLV-TWA: 10 ppm (ACGIH, OSHA)
IDLH: 100 ppm (NIOSH)
STEL: 20 ppm (ACGIH)

Personal Protective Equipment

Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator in areas with potential exposure
Eye Protection: Wear chemical splash goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing
Foot Protection: Wear safety shoes with non-slip soles

Emergency Procedures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. If breathing stops, perform CPR
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse with water for at least 15 minutes
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 20 minutes and seek medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately

6. Quality Standards

Industrial Grade (GB/T 2093-2011)

Propionic Acid Content: ≥99.0% (一等品), ≥98.0% (合格品)
Water Content: ≤0.3% (一等品), ≤0.5% (合格品)
Propionic Anhydride: ≤0.5% (一等品), ≤1.0% (合格品)

Food Grade (FCC IV)

Purity: ≥99.5%
Heavy Metals: ≤10 ppm
Arsenic: ≤3 ppm

7. Packaging and Storage

Packaging Options

Plastic Drums: 25kg, 200kg
IBC Containers: 1000kg
Bulk Tankers: For large volume shipments

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources
Maintain storage temperature between 15-25°C
Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent evaporation
Separate from strong oxidizers, bases, and food products

8. Transportation

Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive) with subsidiary risk 3 (Flammable Liquid)
UN Number: 3463
Packing Group: II
Special Precautions: Ensure proper labeling and documentation for transport

9. Environmental Impact

Biodegradability

Propionic acid is readily biodegradable in aquatic environments
Does not bioaccumulate in living organisms

Air Quality

Contributes to acid rain when released into the atmosphere
Can react with hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere

Water Quality

Low concentrations are not harmful to aquatic life
High concentrations can cause pH changes in water bodies

10. Quality Assurance

Our propionic acid products are manufactured to meet the highest quality standards:

Stringent Quality Control: Multiple testing stages throughout production
Traceability: Complete batch tracking and documentation
Compliance: Meets international standards and regulatory requirements
Technical Support: Professional team available for product application guidance