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Butyric acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C4H8O2
CAS number
107-92-6
IUPAC name
butyric acid
State
State

Butyric acid is typically in a liquid state at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-5.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
268.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
163.70
Boiling point (Kelvin)
436.85
General information
Molecular weight
88.11g/mol
Molar mass
88.1060g/mol
Density
0.9591g/cm3
Appearence

Butyric acid appears as a colorless liquid at room temperature and is known for its distinctive unpleasant smell, often compared to rancid butter or vomit. It is also known as butanoic acid.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Butyric Acid (C4H8O2)

Butyric acid, with the chemical formula C4H8O2, is known for its moderate solubility in water. Let's explore its solubility aspects:

  • Water Solubility: Butyric acid is partially soluble in water, with approximately 7.5 g per 100 mL at room temperature.
  • Polar Nature: This solubility can be attributed to the polar carboxylic acid group (-COOH), which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • Solvent Interactions: While butyric acid has some affinity for water, it is also soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, demonstrating its amphipathic nature.

In summary, while butyric acid is not highly soluble in water, its ability to dissolve in both polar and non-polar solvents showcases its versatile chemical behavior. The unique balance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics allows for a variety of interactions in different environments, making butyric acid a fascinating compound in the realm of chemistry.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Butyric Acid

Butyric acid is a fascinating compound that plays a significant role in both the chemical world and everyday life. Here are some intriguing points:

  • Unique Odor: It is well-known for its strong and pungent smell, often compared to that of rancid butter. This characteristic odor arises from its short-chain fatty acid structure.
  • Biological Importance: Butyric acid is produced in the human colon by gut bacteria during the fermentation of dietary fibers. It serves as an energy source for colonocytes and has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Chemical Versatility: Chemically, butyric acid can be transformed into various derivatives, such as butyrate esters, which are used in the production of flavors and fragrances.
  • Role in Industry: This compound is utilized in the manufacture of various products, including soaps and textiles. Its derivatives are also important in the production of agricultural chemicals.
  • Health Benefits: Research suggests that butyric acid may play a role in gut health, and it is being studied for its potential effects on metabolic diseases and obesity.

The study of butyric acid illustrates the interconnectedness of chemistry, biology, and industry. As you delve deeper into its properties and applications, you'll discover just how essential this seemingly simple compound is to various aspects of life.

"Understanding the small molecules like butyric acid can unveil great biological mysteries."

Synonyms
butyric acid
butanoic acid
107-92-6
n-Butyric acid
n-Butanoic acid
propylformic acid
ethylacetic acid
1-propanecarboxylic acid
butyrate
Butanic acid
1-Butyric acid
Buttersaeure
butanoate
Butyric acid (natural)
Kyselina maselna
FEMA No. 2221
Propanecarboxylic acid
1-butanoic acid
acide butyrique
butoic acid
Buttersaeure [German]
Butyricum acidum
FEMA Number 2221
CCRIS 6552
HSDB 940
Kyselina maselna [Czech]
NSC 8415
fattyacids
MFCD00002814
acide butanoique
2-butanoate
NORMAL BUTYRIC ACID
AI3-15306
NSC-8415
EINECS 203-532-3
UNII-40UIR9Q29H
UN2820
BRN 0906770
40UIR9Q29H
C4:0
DTXSID8021515
CHEBI:30772
Acid, Butanoic
NSC8415
BUTYRIC ACID (D8)
CH3-[CH2]2-COOH
DTXCID401515
EC 203-532-3
butanate
4-02-00-00779 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
n-butanoate
1-butanoate
propanecarboxylate
1-butyrate
Butyric acid [UN2820] [Corrosive]
Sodium n-butyrate
1-propanecarboxylate
BUA
CH3-(CH2)2-COOH
Butyric Acid (Normal)
Acid, Butyric
CAS-107-92-6
sodium-butyrate
Honey robber
Tetranoic Acid
ethyl acetic acid
1ugp
3umq
butanoic acid, 4
TNFa + NaBut
715 - Chocolate
Butyrate, sodium salt
Butyric acid [UN2820] [Corrosive]
BUTYRIC_ACID
n-C3H7COOH
TNFa + Sodium Butyrate
Butyric acid, >=99%
bmse000402
BUTYRIC ACID [MI]
NCIMech_000707
BUTYRIC ACID [FCC]
WLN: QV3
BUTYRIC ACID [HSDB]
BUTYRIC ACID [VANDF]
CHEMBL14227
BUTYRIC ACID [WHO-DD]
Butyric acid, >=99%, FG
N-BUTYRIC ACID [FHFI]
GTPL1059
BUTYRICUM ACIDUM [HPUS]
BDBM26109
Butyric acid, analytical standard
Bio1_000444
Bio1_000933
Bio1_001422
STR06290
Tox21_202382
Tox21_300164
CCG-35836
FA 4:0
LMFA01010004
STL169349
AKOS000118961
MSK1702-1000W
DB03568
UN 2820
NCGC00247914-01
NCGC00247914-02
NCGC00247914-05
NCGC00253919-01
NCGC00259931-01
BP-21420
FB159569
NCI60_001424
1ST1702-1000W
Butyric acid, natural, >=99%, FCC, FG
DB-318878
B0754
Butyric acid Solution in Water, 1000?g/mL
Butyric acid Solution in Water, 1000ug/mL
NS00001284
Butyric acid 1000 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
Butyric acid, SAJ special grade, >=99.5%
EN300-21334
C00246
Q193213
BRD-K05878375-236-02-4
BRD-K05878375-236-05-7
BRD-K05878375-236-06-5
9B27B3D0-9643-40EC-9A5F-7CA1A6ED7F9F
F2191-0094
Z104495380
InChI=1/C4H8O2/c1-2-3-4(5)6/h2-3H2,1H3,(H,5,6
203-532-3