What's a Butanoic Acid?

Butyric acid, also known under the systematic name butanoic acid, is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂CH₂CO₂H. It is an oily, colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor. Isobutyric acid is an isomer. Salts and esters of butyric acid are known as butyrates or butanoates.

What family is butanoic acid?

Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid or butyrate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as straight chain fatty acids.

What is butanoic acid used for?

Uses of Butanoic acid – C₄H₈O

Used in the manufacture of esters for artificial flavorings, as a food additive, in the manufacture of varnishes, and in decalcifying hides. Used in the manufacture of perfume, flavorings, pharmaceuticals, and disinfectants.