Butyric acid

CAS: 107-92-6

Overview

Butyric acid (CAS 107-92-6 ), also known by its FEMA 2221 designation in flavor applications, is a short-chain fatty acid produced commercially for use across food, feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing.

It functions primarily as a flavoring agent, pH regulator, and precursor for ester synthesis across multiple industrial sectors. In food and beverage production, it delivers characteristic dairy, rancid, and fermented flavor notes.

These notes are used in cheese flavors, butter emulations, and savory seasonings. The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors use the acid and its salts, particularly sodium and calcium butyrate, as gut health actives.

It is also used as enteric coating components in tablet and capsule formulations. In animal nutrition, it is incorporated into feed additives to support intestinal integrity in poultry and swine, acting as an antimicrobial.

It also serves as a growth-performance enhancer in these applications. Fragrance and cosmetic formulators use it as a building block for butyrate esters, which contribute fruity and creamy scent profiles to finished products.

The product is supplied as a liquid in standard commercial and technical grades. Food-grade material conforming to FCC specifications is available for flavor and feed applications to ensure high quality.

Pharmaceutical-grade supply meeting USP or BP standards is also accessible for regulated formulation use. This ensures compliance with international safety and purity requirements for sensitive applications.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	-7.9 °C
Boiling Point	165.5 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density	0.9577 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point	170 °F
Appearance	Butyric acid is a combustible, oily liquid with an unpleasant odor. The Odor Threshold is 0.0001 ppm.
Color	Clear colorless
Odor	at 1.00 % in dipropylene glycol. sharp acetic cheese butter fruit
Form	Liquid
Water Solubility	MISCIBLE
Vapor Pressure	0.43 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.398(lit.)
pH	2.5 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P	1.1 at 25℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS07 GHS06 GHS08 Hazard Statements H227 Combustible liquid H302 Harmful if swallowed H311 Toxic in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage H371 May cause damage to organs Precautionary Statements P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P403 Store in a well-ventilated place. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P361+P364 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	2915 60 19
UN Number	2820
ADR Class	8
Packing Group	III
Storage Class	8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Personal Care & Cosmetics Agriculture & Feed Food & Nutrition