Butyric acid or butanoic acid is a short-chain fatty acid commonly found in dairy products and certain plant foods. It has a pungent, rancid odor and is used as a flavoring and fragrance ingredient in the food industry. It also has potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
| IUPAC Name | Butanoic acid |
| Molecular Formula | C4H8O2 |
| CAS Number | 107-92-6 |
| Synonyms | n-Butanoic acid, Butyric anhydride, Ethylacetic acid, Ethylacetic anhydride |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H8O2/c1-3-2-4(5)6/h3-4H,2H2,1H3,(H,5,6) |
Butyrate
Butyrate is a salt or ester of butanoic acid. It is an anion with the chemical formula C4H7O2-, formed by the reaction of butyric acid with a base. Butyrate is commonly used in various applications, such as as a feed additive in animal nutrition, as a plasticizer in the manufacture of plastics, and as an ingredient in some personal care and cosmetic products. In the medical field, butyrate has been found to have potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and is being studied for its potential use in the treatment of certain diseases.
Butyric Acid Properties
Butyric acid boiling point:
The boiling point of butyric acid is 163°C. At this temperature, the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the atmospheric pressure, allowing it to boil and turn into a gas. This boiling point is relatively low compared to other organic compounds and is important for its use in various industrial applications.
Butyric acid density g/ml:
The density of butyric acid is approximately 1.05 g/ml. This is a relatively low density compared to other organic acids, and its low density affects its physical properties, such as its ability to mix with other liquids. The density of butyric acid is an important factor to consider when using it in industrial applications.
Butyric acid molecular weight:
The molecular weight of butyric acid is 88.11 g/mol. This is the sum of the atomic weights of the elements in its molecular formula (C4H8O2). The molecular weight is an important factor in determining many of the physical and chemical properties of butyric acid, including its boiling and melting points, density, and solubility.
Butyric acid molar mass:
The molar mass of butanoic acid is 88.11 g/mol. It is a four-carbon chain organic acid, which contains 8 hydrogen atoms, 2 oxygen atoms, and 4 carbon atoms. This combination of elements gives butyric acid its distinct molecular weight, which is important for many of its physical and chemical properties.
Butyric acid melting point:
The melting point of butanoic acid is -14°C. This means that it will change from a solid to a liquid at this temperature, making it a relatively low melting point organic acid. This low melting point is a key characteristic of butyric acid and affects its physical properties, such as viscosity and solubility.
Butyric acid Structure:
Butanoic acid has a linear carbon chain with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end. This carboxyl group gives butyric acid its characteristic acidic properties and is responsible for its strong odor. The molecular structure of butanoic acid is important in determining its physical and chemical properties, as well as its reactivity with other compounds.
Butyric acid formula:
The chemical formula of butanoic acid is C4H8O2. This formula represents the number of atoms of each element in the molecule. The four carbon atoms are connected in a straight chain, with an oxygen atom and a hydroxyl group (-OH) at one end and a carboxyl group (-COOH) at the other end.
Butyric acid NMR:
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique that is used to determine the structure of organic molecules like butanoic acid. NMR spectra provide information on the chemical environment of the atoms in the molecule, including the types of bonds present, their arrangement, and the orientation of the molecule. This information is important in understanding the reactivity and physical properties of butyric acid.
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to yellow liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.05 g/ml |
| Color | Clear, colorless to yellow |
| Odor | Strong, pungent, rancid odor |
| Molar Mass | 88.11 g/mol |
| Density | 1.05 g/ml |
| Melting Point | -14°C |
| Boiling Point | 163°C |
| Flash Point | 85°C |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ether and other organic solvents |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.04 mmHg (at 20°C) |
| Vapor Density | 1.04 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 4.83 |
| pH | 3.5-5.5 |
Butyric Acid Safety and Hazards
Butyric acid is considered a hazardous material due to its strong, pungent odor and corrosive properties. Inhalation of butyric acid vapor or mist can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system, as well as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In addition, butanoic acid can cause skin and eye irritation and can be harmful if ingested. It is important to handle butyric acid with caution and to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, when working with it. It should also be stored in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources to prevent the release of hazardous fumes. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if necessary. In the event of ingestion, do not induce vomiting and seek medical attention immediately.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive, Irritant |
| Safety Description | S26-S36/37/39-S45 |
| UN IDs | UN3265 |
| HS Code | 2915.90.90 |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Oral LD50: 710 mg/kg (rat)<br>Inhalation LC50: not available<br>Skin Irritation: slightly irritating<br>Eye Irritation: moderately irritating |
Butyric Acid Synthesis Methods
butanoic acid (C4H8O2) can be synthesized through various methods, including biological, chemical, and enzymatic processes.
Biological synthesis of butanoic acid involves the fermentation of carbohydrates by bacteria, such as Clostridium acetobutylicum, in the absence of oxygen. This process yields a mixture of butyric, acetic, and propionic acids, known as solventogenic acid.
Chemical synthesis of butanoic acid can be performed by the oxidation of butanol or by the hydrolysis of esters, such as ethyl butyrate.
Enzymatic synthesis of butanoic acid is performed using a lipase enzyme to catalyze the esterification of butanol and acetic acid.
Regardless of the synthesis method, butanoic acid is often purified through distillation or extraction techniques to obtain the pure product.
It is important to note that the choice of synthesis method can affect the quality, yield, and cost of the final product, and therefore, it is important to carefully consider the specific needs and requirements of each application when selecting a synthesis method for butanoic acid.
Butyric Acid Uses
Butter, cheese, and other dairy products contain butanoic acid, which is commonly used as a flavoring agent in food products and in the manufacture of plastics, solvents, and other industrial chemicals.
Researchers have also employed butanoic acid to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, as it reduces inflammation, improves gut health, and promotes healing.
Additionally, butanoic acid has anti-fungal properties and can inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis in certain types of cancer cells.
Furthermore, some studies have suggested that butanoic acid may protect neurons from damage in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Finally, butanoic acid is often used as a preservative in food products, as it inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
Questions:
What is butyric acid?
Butanoic acid is a short-chain fatty acid with the molecular formula CH3CH2CH2COOH. It is a colorless, water-soluble liquid with a strong, pungent odor and is naturally present in dairy products, such as cheese and butter, as well as in some plant oils. Butanoic acid is used in a variety of applications, including as a flavor and fragrance ingredient, as a chemical intermediate, and as a feed additive in animal nutrition. It is also of interest in the medical field due to its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
How to make butyric acid?
Butanoic acid can be synthesized through biological processes, such as the fermentation of carbohydrates by bacteria, as well as chemical and enzymatic processes, such as the oxidation of butanol or the esterification of butanol and acetic acid using a lipase enzyme. The synthesis method used can affect the quality, yield, and cost of the final product.
Complete the acid-base reaction between butyric acid hc4h7o2 and potassium hydroxide koh.
The reaction between butanoic acid (HC4H7O2) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) can be represented as follows:
HC4H7O2 + KOH → KC4H7O2 + H2O
In this reaction, butanoic acid (HC4H7O2) acts as an acid and donates a proton (H+) to the potassium hydroxide (KOH), which acts as a base and accepts the proton. This results in the formation of potassium butyrate (KC4H7O2) and water (H2O). This reaction can be classified as a neutralization reaction, as it results in the neutralization of the acidic butanoic acid and the basic potassium hydroxide to form a neutral salt.
Indole-3-butyric acid?
Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is a plant growth regulator and a type of auxin commonly used in horticulture to stimulate root formation and growth in a variety of plant species. Horticulturists dip cut ends into a solution of IBA dissolved in water or apply the solution as a foliar spray to propagate and root cuttings in deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants for the production of ornamental plants, fruit trees, forest trees, vegetable, and flower crops. However, one must carefully monitor the use of IBA to avoid over-application and potential harm to the plant or the environment.