Butyric Acid Formula

Butyric acid is a carboxylic acid whose chemical formula is C₃H₇COOH. It is a short-chain fatty acid, which is also known as Butanoic acid, Propyl Formic acid, or Ethyl Acetic acid. It is not frequently found in nature, but its esters are widespread. For example, plant oils and animal fats contain butyric acid in its esterified form. A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain that can be either saturated or unsaturated. It is a colorless, oily liquid that has an unpleasant odor similar to vomit or body odor. In the year 1814, a French chemist, Michel Eugene Chevreul, observed butanoic acid in its impure form for the first time. Butanoic acid plays the role of a food acidity regulator. It is an ammonium salt and an acetate salt, which consists of four carbons.

Formula of Butyric Acid

The molecular formula of Butyric acid is C₄H₈O₂. The IUPAC name of the butyric acid is “Butanoic Acid”. The condensed structural formula of butyric acid is CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH. The esters of Butyric acid are known as Butanoates while the salts of this acid are known as Butyrate. 

Structure of Butyric Acid

Butyric acid, or butanoic acid, is a saturated short-chain fatty acid that has a 4-carbon backbone structure.

Occurrence of Butyric Acid

The composition of butyric acid triglycerides is 3 to 4% butter. When the butter turns rancid due to hydrolysis, butyric acid is released from the glyceride. Butyric acid is a typical carboxylic acid that belongs to the short-chain fatty acids. It is highly reactive with bases and affects various metals. One can find traces of butyric acid in plant oils and animal fat, breast milk, bovine milk, butter, and parmesan cheese, body odor, vomit, and as a product of anaerobic fermentation.

Butyric acid has a strong and unpleasant odor similar to vomit or body odor and tastes somewhat like butter. Mammals that have good scent detecting abilities, such as dogs, can detect butyric acid at ten parts per billion, while humans can only detect it at concentrations ranging above 10 parts per million. Traces of butyric acid are also found in humans, which is formed when the good bacteria in the gut break down dietary fiber. This is also found in octyl ester, parsnips, and the seed of the ginkgo tree.

Physical Properties of Butyric Acid

The chemical formula of Butyric acid	C3H7COOH
Molar mass/Molecular Weight	88.106 g·mol−1
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Odor	Powerful and unpleasant
Density	1.135 g/cm3
Melting point of Butyric acid	-5.1 °C
Boiling point of Butyric acid	163.5 °C
Solubility of Butyric acid	Miscible in solvents like water and ethanol, ether

Chemical Properties of Butyric Acid

Butyric acid reacts as a typical carboxylic acid and forms amide, ester, anhydride, and chloride derivatives.

• Ether and acetic acid are produced when the butyric acid is treated with water.

H₂O + C₄H₈O₂ → CH₃COOH (acetic acid) + C₂H₆O (ether)

• As butyric acid is reacted with sodium hydroxide, a sodium salt of butanoic acid, including water and carbon dioxide, is produced.

20NaOH + 21C₄H₈O₂ → 20 NaC₄H₆O + 4CO₂ + 34H₂O

Uses of Butyric Acid

Butyric acid is used for many purposes. The following are the uses of Butyric Acid.

1. It is used in the preparation of different butyrate esters.
2. It is used as a fishing bait additive because of its strong odor.
3. It is used in the production of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB), which is used in a wide variety of tools, paints, and coatings. CAB is more resistant to degradation than cellulose acetate, as CAB releases butyric acid as a by-product in the process when it is exposed to sunlight, moisture, or heat.
4. Most of the esters of butyric acid with low molecular weight, such as methyl butyrate, have pleasant aromas or flavors. So, it is used as a flavoring agent in the food industry.
5. It is used in the preparation of beers and detergents. It also plays an important role in the production of varnishes.

Health hazards of Butyric Acid

Some Harmful effects of Butyric Acid are

• Inhalation of butyric acid may irritate the mucous membrane and respiratory tract, causing nausea and vomiting. 
• Intake of this can lead to abdominal pain and irritation in the mouth and stomach. 
• In contact with the skin and eyes, it can lead to a serious injury and a burning sensation.

FAQs on Butyric Acid

Question 1: What is butyric acid?

Answer: 

Butyric acid is a carboxylic acid whose chemical formula is C₃H₇COOH. It is a short-chain fatty acid which is also known as Butanoic acid, Propyl Formic acid, or Ethyl Acetic acid. It is a colorless, oily liquid that has an unpleasant odor. It is used as a flavoring agent in the food industry and also used in the production of detergents, esters, and varnishes.

Question 2: Where does butyric acid occur?

Answer:

One can find traces of butyric acid in plant oils and animal fat, breast milk, bovine milk, butter, and parmesan cheese, body odor, vomit, and as a product of anaerobic fermentation. Traces of butyric acid are also found in humans, which is formed when the good bacteria in the gut break down dietary fiber. This is also found in octyl ester, parsnips, and the seed of the ginkgo tree.

Question 3: How is butyric acid prepared?

Answer:

Butyric acid is prepared industrially by the hydroformylation of propene and syngas, which forms butyraldehyde. Furthermore, butyric acid is formed by the oxidization of butyraldehyde. It can also be prepared by the fermentation process of starch or sugar by obligate anaerobic bacteria.

Question 4:  What are the melting and boiling points of butyric acid?

Answer:

The melting point of butyric acid is -5.1 °C, while its boiling point is 163.5 °C.

Question 5: Mention some uses of butyric acid.

Answer:

Butyric acid is used for many purposes. It is used in the preparation of different butyrate esters. It is also used as a flavoring agent in the food industry. It is also used as a fishing bait additive because of its strong odor. It is also used in the production of detergents, esters, and varnishes.

Question 6: Mention some side effects of butyric acid.

Answer:

Inhalation of butyric acid may irritate the mucous membrane and respiratory tract, causing nausea and vomiting. Intake of this can lead to abdominal pain and irritation in the mouth and stomach. As it comes in contact with the skin and eyes, it can lead to a serious injury and a burning sensation.