Ethyl propionate

Ethyl propionate is a sweet, rum-smelling ester of propionic acid and ethanol. It is less volatile and safer option for chlorinated solvents, toluene, benzene, MTBE, hexane, or even ethyl acetate. A study by Zakko and co-workers established that ethyl propionate is less toxic and more user-friendly than MTBE (Zakko, S. F., Gastroenterology, 1997, 113: 232-237).  In biofuel applications, ethyl propionate is mentioned as the reference short chain fatty acid ester used as a first generation biodiesel (Andersen, V. F., J. Phys. Chem A. 2012, 116, 21, 5164-5179). In air care applications, the rum scent of ethyl propionate is irresistible resulting its use as a pineapple, rum-like odorant. Other mainstream applications include 

• fuel additive

• cleaning solutions additive

• cosmetic additive

• nickel electroplating additive

• specialty reagent in plastic, rubber, dyes, and medicinal drug manufacturing

• specialty solvent