pro·pi·on·ic acid (prō

pē-
ŏn

ĭk)
n.A liquid fatty acid, CH
3CH
2COOH, found naturally in sweat, in milk products, and as a product of bacterial fermentation. Prepared synthetically from ethyl alcohol and carbon monoxide, it is used chiefly in the form of its propionates as a mold inhibitor in bread and as an ingredient in perfume. Also called
propanoic acid.
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