Ethyl propionate

Chemical properties

Ethyl Propionate is a clear colorless to pale yellow liquid that is found in many fruits and alcoholic beverages. It has a fruity odor reminiscent of rum and is used in flavor compositions for creating both fruity and rum notes.

Occurrence

Reported found in several types of wine, in white grape var. Sauvignon, cocoa, apple juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, guava, melon, peach, pineapple, strawberry, tomato, various cheeses, beer, cognac, rum, whiskey, bourbon, malt whiskey, scotch, cider, brandy, kiwi fruit and mussels.

The Uses of Ethyl propionate

Ethyl Propionate is a flavoring agent that is a transparent liquid, colorless, with an odor resembling rum. it is miscible in alcohol and propylene glycol, soluble in fixed oils, mineral oil, and alcohol, and sparingly soluble in water. it is obtained by chemical synthesis.

The Uses of Ethyl propionate

Solvent for cellulose ethers and esters, various natural and synthetic resins; flavoring agent; fruit syrups; cutting agent for pyroxylin.

Definition

ChEBI: A propanoate ester of ethanol.

Preparation

From propionic acid, ethyl alcohol and concentrated H2SO4 in chloroform at the boil

Production Methods

Ethyl propionate is produced by the esterification of ethyl alcohol with propionic acid or propionic anhydride.

Aroma threshold values

Detection: 9 to 45 ppb

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 25 ppm: sharp, fermented, rummy and fruity.

General Description

Ethyl propionate[105-37-3] appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pineapple-like odor. Flash point 54 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Ethyl propionate is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. Can react with oxidizing agents, bases, and acids. Polymerization: Will not polymerize [USCG, 1999].

Hazard

Flammable, dangerous fire risk.

Health Hazard

Exposure can cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat. May cause shortness of breath or coughing. High concentrations have a narcotic effect. May cause abdominal pain and vomiting if swallowed.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. A skin and eye irritant. A flammable liquid. A very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ETHERS.

Purification Methods

Treat the ester with anhydrous CuSO4 and distil it under nitrogen. [Beilstein 2 IV 205.]