Ethyl propionate

 ( Propionate Esters ) 

Ethyl propionate is an organic compound with formula C₂H₅O₂CCH₂CH₃. It is the ethyl ester of propionic acid. It is a colorless volatile liquid with a pineapple-like odor. Some fruits such as kiwis and strawberries contain ethyl propionate in small amounts.

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Uses and reactions It is also used in the production of some antimalarial drugs including pyrimethamine.

Ethyl propionate can be synthesized by the Fischer esterification of ethanol and propionic acid:

CH₃CH₂OH + CH₃CH₂CO₂H → CH₃CH₂O₂CCH₂CH₃ + H₂O

It participates in condensation reactions by virtue of the weakly acidic methylene group.

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See also

• Methyl propionate, a similar compound

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