Educational content for trained professionals. Not a Safety Data Sheet, not medical advice. In an emergency, call your local poison control or emergency services immediately. Terms of use.
Propionic Acid
Also known as: propionic acid · Propanoic acid · 79-09-4 · methylacetic acid
- CAS No.
- 79-09-4
- Formula
- C3H6O2
- Molar mass
- 74.08 g/mol
- PubChem CID
- 1032
Flammable
Corrosive
Toxic
Harmful / Irritant
Summary
Propionic Acid (C3H6O2), CAS 79-09-4. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.
Background
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Hazards
Ignites easily when exposed to a flame or spark.
Attacks skin, eyes and materials.
May be fatal even in small doses.
May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.
Hazard statements
- H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]
- H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]
- H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
- H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure
- H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]
- H402: Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
- H303: May be harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]
- H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]
Storage
Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.
Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.
Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.
Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.
Personal protective equipment
Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.
Safety goggles with side shields.
A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.
Occupational exposure limits (HSE)
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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)
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Transport
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FDA recalls & enforcement
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Compatibilities
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Open comparator with Propionic AcidPractical safety notes
- Flammable. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sparks. Ground containers when transferring.
- Corrosive. Wear chemical goggles, faceshield and chemical-resistant gloves. Have an eyewash within reach.
- Acute toxicity. Work under a fume hood, restrict access, keep a specific antidote plan available.
- Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.
Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.
FAQ
Is Propionic Acid flammable?+
Yes. Propionic Acid (CAS 79-09-4) carries the GHS02 flame pictogram. Keep it away from ignition sources, use non-sparking tools, and ground metal containers when transferring liquid.
What PPE should I wear when handling Propionic Acid?+
Chemical-splash goggles and a faceshield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl) and an apron are the minimum. Work inside a fume hood or use a suitable respirator. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.
How should Propionic Acid be stored?+
Store Propionic Acid (CAS 79-09-4) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Use a flammable-liquid cabinet and keep away from oxidizers and heat. Segregate acids from bases and keep away from metals that can be attacked.
Is Propionic Acid dangerous for the environment?+
No specific environmental pictogram (GHS09) is listed in our records for Propionic Acid, but any chemical waste should be handled through your site's hazardous-waste procedure, not poured down the drain.
Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for Propionic Acid?+
Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.
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