Propionic acid
USP/1572208 - United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Synonym: Acid C3; Propanoic acid; Propanyl acid
CAS Number: 79-09-4
Empirical Formula (Hill Notation): C3H6O2
Molecular Weight: 74.08
MDL Number: MFCD00002756
Linear Formula: CH3CH2COOH
Product Type: Chemical
| API family | propionic acid |
| application(s) | pharmaceutical (small molecule) |
| autoignition temp. | 955 °F |
| bp | 141 °C (lit.) |
| density | 0.993 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| expl. lim. | 12.1 % |
| format | neat |
| grade | pharmaceutical primary standard |
| InChI | 1S/C3H6O2/c1-2-3(4)5/h2H2 |
| InChI key | XBDQKXXYIPTUBI-UHFFFAOYSA |
| manufacturer/tradename | USP |
| mp | −24-−23 °C (lit.) |
| refractive index | n |
| SMILES string | CCC(O)=O |
| vapor density | 2.55 (vs air) |
| vapor pressure | 2.4 mmHg ( 20 °C) |
| Analysis Note: | These products are for test and assay use only. They are not meant for administration to humans or animals and cannot be used to diagnose, treat, or cure diseases of any kind. |
| Application: | Propionic acid USP reference standard, intended for use in specified quality tests and assays as specified in the USP compendia. |
| General description: | Propionic acid (PA) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid, which in its pure state exists as a colorless corrosive liquid with an unpleasant odor. It is miscible in water. Industrially it is produced by hydrocarboxylation of ethylene in presence nickel carbonyl as a catalyst. PA has been found to reduce food intake, lower the fatty acids content in plasma and liver, might improve tissue insulin sensitivity and exerts immunosuppressive actions. Propionic acid is an excellent raw material as it is stable, cheap and safe and can even be used as a food additive. |
| General description: | This product is provided as delivered and specified by the issuing Pharmacopoeia. All information provided in support of this product, including SDS and any product information leaflets have been developed and issued under the Authority of the issuing Pharmacopoeia. For further information and support please go to the website of the issuing Pharmacopoeia ![]() |
| Other Notes: | Sales restrictions may apply. |
| Symbol | ![]() ![]() GHS02,GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H226 - H314 - H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210 - P233 - P240 - P280 - P303 + P361 + P353 - P305 + P351 + P338 |
| RIDADR | UN3463 - class 3 - Propionic acid |
| WGK Germany | WGK 1 |
| Flash Point(F) | 129.2 °F - closed cup |
| Flash Point(C) | 54 °C - closed cup |
| bp | 141 °C (lit.) |
| mp | −24-−23 °C (lit.) |
| Density | 0.993 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Refractive Index | n |
| UNSPSC | 41116107 |




