Substance profile
Propionic Acid
Propionic Acid is colorless, oily liquid with a slightly pungent disagreeable, rancid odor.
01 · Identification
What Propionic Acid is
Propionic Acid is colorless, oily liquid with a slightly pungent disagreeable, rancid odor. Its molecular formula is C3H6O2 and its molecular weight is 74.08 g/mol. It boils at 141 °C, melts at -21.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
Other names for Propionic Acid
- propionic acid … %
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Propionic Acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 141.1 °C (286 °F) | HSDB | |
| 141.11 °C (286 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 140.72 °C (285.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -21.5 °C (-6.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -15 °C (5 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.315 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.99 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| 0.993 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Sol in alcohol, ether, chloroform. | HSDB | |
| Miscible with ethanol; soluble in diethyl ether; slightly soluble in chloroform | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 3 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 2.9 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 3.53 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 52.22 °C (126 °F) | HSDB | |
| 54.44 °C (130 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 465.56 °C (870 °F) | HSDB | |
| 485 °C (905 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 12.1 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 14.8 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 2.56 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.6 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor threshold: 0.16 ul/l; Odor safety class B; B= 50-90% of distracted persons perceive warning of TLV. | HSDB | |
| 0.0840 mg/cu m (odor low); 60.00 mg/cu m (odor high). | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.02 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 338.9 °C (642 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | CORROSIVE | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Propionic Acid
Storage conditions
Outside or detached storage is preferred. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Alkalis, strong oxidizers (e.g., chromium trioxide) [Note: Corrosive to steel].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PROPIONIC ACID is a colorless, oily liquid, moderately toxic, corrosive. Flammable when exposed to heat, flame or oxidizers. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1090].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Propionic Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →