propionic acid

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a colorless, oily, water-soluble liquid, C 3 H 6 O 2 , having a pungent odor: used in making bread-mold-inhibiting propionates, in perfumery, and in medicine as a topical fungicide.

propionic acid

/ ˌprəʊpɪˈɒnɪk /

noun

1. the former name for propanoic acid

propionic acid

/ prō′pē-ŏn′ĭk /

1. A liquid fatty acid found naturally in sweat and milk products and as a product of bacterial fermentation. It is also prepared synthetically from ethanol and carbon monoxide, and is used chiefly in the form of its propionates as a mold inhibitor in bread and as an ingredient in perfume. Chemical formula: C 3 H 6 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of propionic acid¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Word History and Origins

Origin of propionic acid¹

C19: from Greek pro- first + pionic from piōn fat, because it is first in order of the fatty acids

Example Sentences

Propionic acid is formed at the same time as the eyes, and they are said to be the result of a propionic ferment of lactic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

This reaction is caused by the tyrosine group (p. oxy α amido phenyl-propionic acid).

From Project Gutenberg

When fused with an alkali, it forms propionic acid; with biomine it yields αβ-dibromisobutyric acid.

From Project Gutenberg