propionicacid

pro·pi·on·ic acid (prō'pē-ŏnʹĭk) n.

A liquid fatty acid, CH₃CH₂COOH, found naturally in sweat, in milk products, and as a product of bacterial fermentation. Prepared synthetically from ethyl alcohol and carbon monoxide, it is used chiefly in the form of its propionates as a mold inhibitor in bread and as an ingredient in perfume. Also called propanoic acid.

  [Greek pro-, first; see pro-² + Greek piōn, fat (from the fact that it is first in order among the fatty acids); See peiə- in Indo-European Roots + -ic.]

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