Propionic Acid (Noun)
Meaning
A liquid fatty acid found in milk and sweat and in fuel distillates.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Propionic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in the sweat of humans and some animals, giving off a pungent smell.
- The presence of propionic acid in milk contributes to its characteristic flavor and aroma, particularly in cheeses like Swiss and Emmental.
- Propionic acid is also a byproduct of the anaerobic digestion process, which breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
- In the petroleum industry, propionic acid is used as a fuel additive to improve the octane rating of gasoline and diesel fuel.
- Researchers have discovered that propionic acid has antimicrobial properties, making it a potential ingredient in the development of new preservatives for food and cosmetics.