Table 1.
Physicochemical properties and potential applications of individual volatile fatty acids.
| VFA | Molecular formula | Molecular weight (g/mol) | Boiling point (°C) | pKa | Area of application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetic | CH3COOH | 60.05 | 118 | 4.76 | Food additives, plasticizers, dyes |
| Propionic | CH3CH2COOH | 74.08 | 141 | 4.88 | Resins, pharmaceuticals, paints |
| Isobutyric | (CH3)2CHCOOH | 88.11 | 154 | 4.84 | Pesticides, food additives, paints |
| Butyric | CH3CH2CH2COOH | 88.11 | 164 | 4.82 | Perfumes, textiles, vanishes, plastics |
| Isovaleric | (CH3)2CHCH2COOH | 102.13 | 177 | 4.77 | Pharmaceuticals, perfumes, fungicides |
| Valeric | CH3(CH2)3COOH | 102.13 | 185 | 4.84 | Perfumes, plasticizers, lubricants |
| Caproic | CH3(CH2)4COOH | 116.16 | 205 | 4.88 | Rubber, grease, tobacco flavor |