acido propionico (C ₂H₅ COOH) è un liquido incolore, oleoso con un forte, odore pungente. È un acido carbossilico naturale, trovato in alcuni alimenti e prodotto dai batteri durante la fermentazione.
Usi:
- Food Preservation: Usato come additivo alimentare (E280) to prevent mold growth in baked goods and as a preservative.
- Animal Feed: Used to preserve and improve the quality of animal feed.
- Applicazioni industriali: Used in the manufacture of herbicides, plastics, and as a chemical intermediate in various processes.
- Fungal Inhibitor: Common in some personal care products and as a component in cosmetics to prevent microbial growth.
Propionic acid is generally safe in controlled amounts but can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
