Substance profile
Propionic anhydride
Propionic anhydride is a colorless liquid with a very rancid odor.
01 · Identification
What Propionic anhydride is
Propionic anhydride is a colorless liquid with a very rancid odor. Its molecular formula is C6H10O3 and its molecular weight is 130.14 g/mol. It boils at 170 °C, melts at -45 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
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 anhydride 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 | 170 °C (338 °F) | HSDB | |
| 168.89 °C (336 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 167 °C (332.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -45 °C (-49 °F) | HSDB | |
| -42.78 °C (-45 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.01 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.011 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.01 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Soluble in alkalies | HSDB | |
| Miscible with ether; slightly soluble in carbon tetraachloride | HSDB | ||
| Decomposed by water; soluble in methanol, ethanol, ether and chloroform | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mmHg | at 20.6 °C | HSDB |
| 0.7501 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 1.36 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 73.89 °C (165 °F) | HSDB | |
| 62.78 °C (145 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 285 °C (545 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 1.48 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 9.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 11.9 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 4.49 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.5 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Propionic anhydride
Storage conditions
Separated from acids, bases, oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Ventilation along the floor.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
The substance decomposes on contact with water producing corrosive propionic acid. Reacts violently with acids, bases and oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PROPIONIC ANHYDRIDE reacts exothermically with water. The reactions are sometimes slow, but can become violent when local heating accelerates their rate. Acids accelerate the reaction with water. Incompatible with acids, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, amines, and bases.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Propionic anhydride in the storage compatibility matrix →