what is propionic acid
Propionic acid (from the Greek words protos, meaning first, and pion, meaning fat; also known as propanoic acid) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with chemical formula C H 3 CH 2 C O OH.acteria of the genus Propionibacterium produce propionic acid as the end-product of their anaerobic metabolism. This class of bacteria is commonly found in the stomachs of ruminants and the sweat glands of humans, and their activity is partially responsible for the odor of both Swiss cheese and sweat.