Propionic acid is a three carbon carboxylic acid that occurs naturally as the free acid or in the form of its esters. Propionic acid is produced industrially by three process routes:

• Ethylene hydroformylation/oxidation
  
• Carboxylation of ethylene with carbon monoxide and water
  
• Direct oxidation of hydrocarbons

Conceptually, propionic acid can also be produced via acetic acid homologation and ethanol carbonylation. Although neither route has been commercialized, Chem Systems has assessed the potential of these speculative routes and compared their economics to the commercially employed processes. A diagram of commercial and speculative propionic acid production routes is shown on the overleaf.

Propionic acid is a clear, colorless, water soluble organic acid. The predominant use for propionic acid is as an intermediate in the production of propionate salts used as preservatives in baked goods. Other applications include use as an intermediate for synthesizing fine chemicals, especially pharmaceuticals and agrichemical actives, fragrances, rubber chemicals and propionate esters finds use in emulsions and environmentally friendly solvents for coatings formulations.

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