In the feed additive world, butyric acid is a well known additive, but what is butyric acid actually and why is it so stinky?
Its name comes from the Latin word butyrum, meaning butter, because it was first extracted from rancid butter by the French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul. It’s a fatty acid, which means it’s one of the building blocks of fats. The fat molecule made from butyric acid makes up 3-4% of butter.
It’s generally found in dairy products, and is a product of anaerobic fermentation. Hence the links to butter and parmesan cheese. And.. as well known, butyric acid is what gives vomit that distinctive, smell-it-a-mile-off, odor.
And this is why we’re so good at detecting it. Humans can pick this stuff up at 10 parts per million. Evolution has trained us to detect and avoid this stuff because it’s very probably a sign of disease and potential infection (gone-off food, vomit, faeces etc).
Funnily enough though, it does have its uses. There are molecules called esters which can be made from butyric acid which actually smell rather nice. In particular there’s one that has a lovely apple-pineapple smell, and another that smells of apricots and pears. As a result, these much nicer-smelling substances are used as food and perfume additives.
Butyric acid also helps to prevent salmonella bacteria from taking hold in animal husbandry, and as result it’s used as a feed additive. And perhaps not surprisingly it’s been used, along with a co*cktail of other stinky stuff, in stink bombs.
So even the stinkiest of molecules has it’s uses, and maybe it’s not so bad after all. Makes you wonder how anyone ever developed a taste for parmesan cheese though, doesn’t it?
FAQs
Butyric acid is vital for human health. Yet, in any quantity this stuff smells repulsive, i.e. of vomit, stinky feet, etc. Of course, it is possible that the same substance in tiny concentrations can smell attractive (as used in the food industry).
How do you get rid of butanoic acid smell? ›
To neutralize the butanoic acid, one technique that might be used is to use a diluted solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Baking soda and a tiny amount of water can be combined to produce a paste that you can apply to your hands while concentrating on the areas with the highest concentration of butanoic acid.
How to remove butyric acid odor from your hands? ›
Answer and Explanation: You can wash your hands with a basic solution such as a solution of sodium bicarbonate. The base will react through a deprotonation reaction with butyric acid converting it to the butyrate ion. The butyrate ion being ionic is soluble in water and thus can be removed more easily.
What is the odor threshold of butyric acid? ›
n-Butyric acid has a distinctive odour (i.e. sweet rancid) with a low odour threshold value of 0.4–3.6 μg [n-butyric acid] m−3 [air] (O'Neill and Phillips, 1992; Tamminga, 1992), and hence contributes significantly to the odour threshold concentration and intensity of pig odour.
Is butyric acid good for your gut health? ›
Butyric acid is well-known to support digestive health, reduce inflammation and lowers the risk of diseases and promote overall health. It holds a significant role in providing colon cells with the needed energy to carry out its normal functions and also regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
What will neutralize butyric acid? ›
As everyone knows, acids can be neutralized by bases. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a base. It reacts with butyric acid to form sodium butyrate which has no smell because it is not volatile.
What is the difference between butanoic acid and butyric acid? ›
Butanoic acid, also known as butyric acid, is used to prepare specific esters of butyrates. This compound is also used to manufacture butyrate of cellulose acetate (CAB), which is used in a wide range of devices, components, and coatings, and is more resistant to degradation than the acetate of cellulose.
What are the dangers of butanoic acid? ›
Hazard statements H227 Combustible liquid. H302 Harmful if swallowed. H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Precautionary statements P210 Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces.
How do you neutralize acid smell? ›
"Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an alkaline substance, and when it comes into contact with acidic odors, it reacts to neutralize them. This chemical reaction between the baking soda and the acid neutralizes or produces a less odorous compound. The change in pH helps eliminate the smell."
How do you prevent butyric acid? ›
Inhibition of the fermentation caused by the butyric acid formed can be avoided by the on-line removal of the acid by various methods (e.g., distillation and evaporation, permeate electrodialysis, and adsorption).
Butyric acid is an important flavor compound in a number of foods including beer. However, at concentrations above its beer flavor threshold, it causes "cheesy" or "sickly" off-flavors. Abnormal concentrations in beer can arise due to infections by anaerobic spore-forming bacteria of the genus Clostridium.
Why do my hands smell bad even after washing them? ›
The potent odour residues on your hands come from sulfur molecules in foods. Due to our skin's natural oil, the sulfur molecules are easy to “stick” around your hands, which makes odours linger. An efficient exfoliating hand scrub helps loosen any build-up of sulfur molecules and dirt for a deeper cleanse.
What precautions should be taken when using butyric acid? ›
Precautions for safe handling
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Wash hands after use. Do not eat, drink and smoke in work areas. Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas.
Does butanoic acid smell bad? ›
It is an oily, colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor.
How to dispose of butyric acid? ›
Absorb with liquid-binding material (sand, diatomaceous earth, acid- or universal binding agents). Place in appropriate containers for disposal.
Is butyric acid hazardous? ›
possible eye damage. ► Inhaling Butyric Acid can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. ► Butyric Acid is CORROSIVE. No occupational exposure limits have been established for Butyric Acid.
What is the aroma of butyric acid? ›
Butyric acid is a carboxylic acid found in rancid butter, parmesan cheese, and vomit, and has an unpleasant odor and acrid taste, with a sweetish aftertaste (similar to ether).
Who should not take butyric acid? ›
Some healthcare providers suggest avoiding butyric acid supplements if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Butyrate has also been shown to trigger symptoms in people with bloating or a sensitive gut (food intolerance) who need lower fiber levels.
