Propionic Anhydride

Propionic Anhydride is a colourless liquid widely utilised across the organic synthesis, perfume, fats, and cellulose industries. Known for its strong esterifying properties and chemical reactivity, Propionic Anhydride serves as a critical reactant and modifier in diverse manufacturing processes.

This guide provides a detailed overview of Propionic Anhydride’s chemical and physical characteristics, key benefits, applications, safety protocols, and environmental considerations.

Chemicals Characteristics

Synonyms: Propanoic anhydride, propionic acid anhydride, methylacetic anhydride, propionyloxide
Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₀O₃
CAS Number: 123-62-6

Molar Weight

130.14 g/mol

Melting Point

-45°C to -43 °C

Boiling Point

167 °C to 168.4 °C

Flash Point

Approximately 63 °C

Density

1.01 g/cc

Forms

Colorless liquid with a pungent odor

Entire form

Key Points/Overview

Propionic Anhydride is renowned for its strong esterifying capabilities, making it essential in organic synthesis and product formulation. It acts as a reactant, enhancing the modification and stability of various substances including cellulose, fats, and perfumes. Its reactivity contributes to the versatility of products in applications such as alkyd resin production, dyestuff formulation, and specialty chemical synthesis.

In addition to its primary functions, Propionic Anhydride is appreciated for its efficiency in facilitating chemical reactions that require precise esterification, making it indispensable in laboratory and industrial settings.

Uses & Benefits

Propionic Anhydride offers considerable benefits across the perfume, chemical synthesis, and textile industries. Its unique chemical reactivity and esterifying properties support a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, contributing to the production of high-quality, durable, and efficient products.

Perfume and Cosmetic Industry

  • Esterifying Agent: Modifies perfume oils and fats, enhancing their fragrance profile and stability. It enables the development of a broad spectrum of scents with improved longevity and olfactory balance. Propionic Anhydride’s ability to introduce ester groups results in more complex and lasting fragrances, which are highly valued in both fine fragrances and everyday personal care products. Its reactivity allows perfumers to fine-tune scent profiles and improve the evaporation rate and intensity of fragrance notes.

Chemical Synthesis

  • Reagent in Organic Synthesis: Facilitates the creation of esters and other derivatives through its strong esterifying properties. It is used to synthesise intermediates vital to pharmaceutical and agrochemical production. Its efficiency in forming esters helps streamline the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), agrochemicals, and performance materials. Additionally, Propionic Anhydride plays a key role in modifying functional groups, enabling the development of advanced chemical compounds for research and commercial use.

Cellulose and Textile Industry

  • Modification Agent: Alters cellulose properties to enhance durability, chemical resistance, and performance in textile products. It contributes to the production of high-quality fibres and specialty materials. By reacting with hydroxyl groups on cellulose, Propionic Anhydride improves the hydrophobicity, tensile strength, and resilience of textiles. This makes the treated fibres suitable for demanding applications, including industrial fabrics, apparel, and specialty papers that require enhanced performance characteristics.

Safety Information

Potential Hazards

  • Skin and Eye Irritation: May cause irritation upon contact. Protective gloves and goggles are recommended.

  • Inhalation: Vapours can irritate the respiratory tract; use proper ventilation and respiratory protection.

  • Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed; seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs.

Safety Precautions

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.

  • Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation or use fume extraction systems.

  • Emergency Response: Rinse affected areas with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical help if symptoms persist.

Storage Recommendations

  • Containers: Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers.

  • Conditions: Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and incompatible materials.

Occupational Exposure Controls

  • Engineering Controls: Employ closed systems and local exhaust ventilation to minimise vapour exposure.

  • Administrative Controls: Train workers in safe handling practices and emergency procedures.

  • Health Surveillance: Monitor workers for potential skin or respiratory issues due to prolonged exposure.

Environmental Impact and Disposal

  • Environmental Considerations: Avoid uncontrolled release into the environment; reactive and potentially hazardous in aquatic systems.

  • Disposal Guidelines: Dispose of according to local hazardous waste regulations. Prevent discharge into waterways.

Propionic Anhydride’s chemical versatility and strong reactivity, combined with appropriate safety and environmental management, make it a valuable resource in organic synthesis, cosmetics, and industrial production.