Propionic acid
Agent Name
Propionic acid
CAS Number
79-09-4
Formula
C3-H6-O2
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Acide propionique [French]; C3 acid; Carboxyethane; Ethanecarboxylic acid; Ethylformic acid; Kyselina propionova [Czech]; Luprosil; Metacetonic acid; Methyl acetic acid; Methylacetic acid; Monoprop; Propanoic acid; Propionic acid; Propionic acid (natural); Propionic acid grain preserver; Propionoic acid; Prozoin; Pseudoacetic acid; Sentry grain preserver; Tenox P grain preservative; [ChemIDplus] UN1848
Category
Organic Acids
Description
Colorless, oily liquid with a pungent, disagreeable, rancid odor. [Note: A solid below 5 degrees F.]; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a fungicide, herbicide and emulsifying agent; it occurs naturally in cheese and is an approved food preservative. [ACGIH]
Comments
Liquid causes second degree burns after contact for a few minutes. [CHRIS] Corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] [Acute irritant contact dermatitis from propionic acid used in animal feed preservation. Contact Dermatitis. Henschel R, et al. 1999 Jun;40(6):328. No abstract available.] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
10 ppm
MAK
10 ppm
Vapor Pressure
3.53 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.02 ppm
Odor Threshold High
0.17 ppm
Explanatory Notes
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.066 ppm); Flash point = 52 deg C; VP from HSDB;
Reference Link #2
NFPA
high ambient temp required
Adverse Effects
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:
Activities
Activities with risk of exposure: