Propionic Acid Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C. Its atomic number is 6 and its electronic configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p².It is non metallic and tetravalent .It is the chemical backbone of all life on Earth. The unique ability to combine with itself and with other elements makes carbon the most versatile element in the periodic table.

Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol Its atomic number is 1. Its electronic configuration is 1s¹. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and highly combustible element. It is the simplest element. Each atom of hydrogen has only one proton and one electron. It is used in the production of hydrochloric acid. It is used as rocket fuel. It was discovered by Henry Cavendish in 1766.

Oxygen is a chemical element and its chemical symbol is O. Its atomic number is 8 and its electronic configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁴. It is a highly reactive nonmetal. It is a colorless, tasteless, odorless diatomic gas. It has low melting and boiling points so it is in a gas state at room temperature. Oxygen gas is mainly found in the atmosphere. It is used to make nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and other compounds.

Propionic Acid

Propionic acid is one of several weak monoprotic acids produced by soil bacteria as they ferment organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂COOH. It is here colorless, oily, water-soluble liquid. It is an important intermediate in the process of biohydrogen production. Propionic acid and its salts are used in numerous processes such as in the production of cellulose plastics. It was first described in 1844 by John Gottlieb.

Structure Of Propionic Acid

to write the structural formula for propanoic Acid. In this the prefix is prop means 3 carbons and oic followed by acid that’s going to be a carboxylic acid. Carbon double bonds with oxygen and bonding with the OH group.

Preparation Of Propionic Acid

•  Propionic Acid is produced  by the reactions between propyl alcohol, sulfuric acid, and potassium manganate

6 H₂SO₄ + 4 KMnO₄ + 5 CH₃CH₂CH₂OH ———> 11 H₂O + 2 K₂SO₄ + 4 MnSO4 + 5 CH₃CH₂COOH

• The reaction between sulfuric acid, potassium manganate, and CH₃CH₂CHOH to produce  Propionic Acid, potassium sulfate, manganese sulfate, and water       

9 H₂SO₄ + 6 KMnO₄ + 10 CH₃CH₂CHOH ——–> 14 H₂O + 3 K₂SO₄ + 6 MnSO₄ + 10 CH₃CH₂COOH 

• Propionic Acid is produced  by the reactions between sulfuric acid, potassium permanganate, and propionaldehyde

3 H₂SO₄ + 2 KMnO₄ + 5 CH₃CH₂CHO ——–> 3 H₂O + K₂SO₄ + 2 MnSO₄ + 5 CH₃CH₂COOH

• Propanol reacts with dioxygen to produce   Propionic Acid and water

O₂ + C₃H₇OH  —–> H₂O + CH₃CH₂COOH

Physical Properties Of Propionic Acid

• Propionic Acid molecular weight is 74.079 g/mol
• Its density is 0.98797 g/cm³
• Its boiling point is 141.15^οC
• Its melting point is -20^οC

Chemical Properties Of Propionic Acid 

• The chemical formula of Propionic Acid is CH₃CH₂COOH
• Potassium hydroxide reacts with propionic acid to produce water and CH₃CH₂COOK

KOH + CH₃CH₂COOH —–> H₂O + CH₃CH₂COOK 

• Methanol reacts with propionic acid to produce CH₃CH₂COOCH₃  and water

CH₃OH + CH₃CH₂COOH ——-> H₂O + CH₃CH₂COOCH₃

• Potassium Oxide reacts with propionic acid to produce CH₃CH₂COOK and water

K₂O + 2 CH₃CH₂COOH ——-> H₂O + 2 CH₃CH₂COOK

• Barium hydroxide reacts with propionic acid to produce water and  (CH₃CH₂COO)₂Ba

Ba(OH)₂ + 2 CH₃CH₂COOH —–> 2 H₂O + (CH₃CH₂COO)Ba

Uses Of Propionic Acid

• Propionic acid is used in the manufacturing of herbicides and other chemicals.
• It is used as a food preservative 
• It is used as a flavoring agent in various types of packaged foods
• It is used as an antimicrobial agent 
• It is used as an intermediate
• It is used to treat dermatomycoses 
• It prevents the growth of fungus and molds.

FAQs on Propionic Acid

Question 1: What type of acid is Propionic acid?

Answer:

Propionic acid is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂COOH. It is a weak acid. It is a short chain saturated fatty acid compressing ethane attached to the carbon of a carboxy group.

Question 2: What are the uses of hydrogen?

Answer:

Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol H. It is a highly reactive gas. Hydrogen is used in the hydrogenation of fats and oils. Hydrogen gas is used as a fuel. it is used in the production of hydrochloric acid. Hydrogen is widely used in many industrial applications to produce many different types of materials. In the chemical industry, it is used to make ammonia for agriculture fertilizer.

Question 3: What are the uses of carbon?

Answer:

Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C. It is used as a fuel in the form of coal. Carbon compounds have limitless uses. The carbon allotropes are amorphous carbon, graphite, and diamond. Diamond is a gemstone used for drilling. Graphite is used in pencils. Amorphous carbon is used to make inks and paints.

Question 4: What is the difference between propanoic acid and propionic acid?

Answer:

Propionic acid is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂COOH.In this carbon atom is attached to the -COOH group and H⁺ has to be removed from it. In the case of propanoic acid, the C atom is attached to the -COOH group and H⁺ has to be removed from it.

Question 5: Is Propionic acid in foods?

Answer:

Propionic acid is an organic acid used as a food additive and found naturally on the skin and in the gastrointestinal tract. Propionic acid is used as a preservative in foods such as baked goods, and cheeses and is also used as an additive for artificial fruit flavors.

Question 6: What happens when propionic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide?

Answer:

Propionic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium propionate and water

CH₃CH₂COOH + NaOH ———> CH₃CH₂COONa + H₂O