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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

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

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

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

O2 + C3H7OH  —–> H2O + CH3CH2COOH

Physical Properties Of Propionic Acid

Chemical Properties Of Propionic Acid 

KOH + CH3CH2COOH —–> H2O + CH3CH2COOK 

CH3OH + CH3CH2COOH ——-> H2O + CH3CH2COOCH3

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

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

Uses Of Propionic Acid

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


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