What is "propionic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) The compound with the formula CH₃CH₂COOH, a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with a pungent odor.

n. a liquid fatty acid found in milk and sweat and in fuel distillates [syn: propanoic acid]

Propionic acid (from the Greek words protos, meaning "first", and pion, meaning "fat"; also known as propanoic acid) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with chemical formula C HCHC OOH. It is a clear liquid with a pungent and unpleasant smell somewhat resembling body odor. The anion CHCHCOO as well as the salts and esters of propionic acid are known as propionates (or propanoates).