propionic acid (redirected from Propionic acids)

propionic acid /pro·pi·on·ic ac·id/ (pro?pe-on´ik) a three-carbon saturated fatty acid produced as a fermentation product by several species of bacteria; its salts, calcium and sodium propionate, are used as preservatives for food and pharmaceuticals.

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pro·pi·on·ic acid (prp-nk)

n.

A fatty acid found naturally in sweat and as a product of bacterial fermentation, used as a mold inhibitor in bread. Also called propanoic acid.

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propionic acid

CH₃CH₂COOH, found in chyme and sweat, and one of the products of bacterial fermentation of wood pulp waste; also an important gluconeogenic volatile fatty acid synthesized by the ruminal microflora. Its salts (calcium and sodium propionate) are used as mold inhibitors in stock feeds and pharmaceuticals, and in topical antifungal preparations.