Chemical Properties
Clear colorless liquid
Chemical Properties
Propyl propionate has a complex, fruity odor reminiscent of apple, banana and pineapple. It has a somewhat pleasant,
bitter flavor.
Occurrence
Reported found among the volatile constituents of grape var. white sauvignon. Also reported found in fresh apple,
apple juice, apricot, melon, papaya, pear, Gruyere de Comte cheese, rum, cider, popcorn, durian, olive, malt whiskey and coffee.
Application
n-propyl propionate is a fast evaporating solvent. Its linear structure contributes to effective viscosity reduction and improves solvent diffusion from coating films. It has application in automotive refinish, OEM coatings, appliance coatings, printing inks and as polymerization solvent.Its good activity yields efficient resin viscosity reduction that enables the development of lower VOC coatings. Its high electrical resistivity is beneficial in optimizing transfer efficiency in coatings applied via electrostatic spray equipment.
Definition
ChEBI: Propyl propionate is a propanoate ester resulting from the formal condensation of the hydroxy group of propanol with the carboxy group of propanoic acid. It has a role as a human metabolite, a rat metabolite, a biomarker and a fungal metabolite. It is functionally related to a propan-1-ol.
Preparation
By esterification of propyl alcohol with the corresponding acid in the presence of concentrated H2SO4, or in the presence of BF3.
Aroma threshold values
Detection: 57 ppb
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristics at 20 ppm: sweet, lift, tropical green, fruity notes.
General Description
Propyl propionate and water mixtures can be separated by pervaporation using PEBA membranes. The diffusivity of pure propyl propionate in the PEBA membrane is about 28 times higher than pure water diffusivity.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Purification Methods
Treat the ester with anhydrous CuSO4, then distil it under nitrogen. [Beilstein 2 IV 707.]
