Butyric Acid
Butyric Acid
Butyric Acid (pronounced: byoo-TEER-ik AS-id), also known as Butanoic Acid, is a carboxylic acid found in rancid butter, parmesan cheese, and vomit, and has an unpleasant odor and acrid taste, with a sweetish aftertaste (similar to ether). It can also be found in a number of plants and essential oils.
Etymology
The term "Butyric Acid" comes from the Latin word butyrum (or buturum), which means "butter", as it was first observed in impure form in butter.
Chemical Structure
Butyric Acid is a fatty acid occurring in the form of esters in animal fats and plant oils. The chemical formula for Butyric Acid is C4H8O2. It is a monobasic acid which can be prepared by oxidation of butanol by green plants.
Uses
Butyric Acid is used in the preparation of various butyrate esters. Low-molecular-weight esters of butyric acid, such as methyl butyrate, have mostly pleasant aromas or tastes. As a consequence, they find use as food and perfume additives.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Butyric Acid
- Wikipedia's article - Butyric Acid
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