Acids & Salts Available — Bulk Only

Propionic Anhydride (Propanoic Anhydride)

CAS 123-62-6 · Formula C6H10O3 · MW 130.14 g/mol

A reactive acyl donor that introduces the propionyl group into cellulose esters, dyes, and specialty intermediates. It serves as a propionylating and esterifying agent for cellulose, fats, and perfume oils, and as an intermediate in the manufacture of alkyd resins, dyestuffs, and other propionyl derivatives.

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UN Number
UN 2496
Hazard Class
Class 8
HS Code
2915.90
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Synthesis Intermediate
Solubility
Decomposed by water; soluble in methanol, ethanol, ether and chloroform
Functional Roles
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Cellulose esters: Esterifying agent for cellulose
  • Coatings: Intermediate for alkyd resins
  • Dyestuffs: Propionylation of dye intermediates
  • Fragrances: Esterifying agent for perfume oils
Physical Properties
Melting Point
-43 °C
Boiling Point
169 °C at 760 mmHg
Density
1.01 at 20 °C
Solubility
Decomposed by water; soluble in methanol, ethanol, ether and chloroform
Vapor Pressure
1.36
Flash Point
63 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 8 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 2496
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 8
Packing GroupIII
Proper Shipping NamePropionic anhydride

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2915 . 90
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
123-62-6
Molecular Formula
C6H10O3
Molecular Weight
130.14 g/mol
IUPAC Name
propanoyl propanoate
PubChem CID
InChI Key
WYVAMUWZEOHJOQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
PROPIONIC ANHYDRIDE Propanoic anhydride Propanoic acid, anhydride Propionic acid anhydride Propionyl oxide Methylacetic anhydride Anhydrid kyseliny propionove propanoic acid anhydride propanoyl propanoate Propanoic acid, 1,1'-anhydride proprionic anhydride
Full Description

Propionic anhydride (CAS 123-62-6) is the symmetrical anhydride of propionic acid. It serves as a propionylating and esterifying agent for cellulose, fats, and perfume oils, and as an intermediate in the manufacture of alkyd resins, dyestuffs, and other propionyl derivatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make propionic anhydride?

Propionic anhydride (CAS 123-62-6) is the symmetrical anhydride of propionic acid, produced industrially by dehydration of propionic acid (often via ketene chemistry). RawSource supplies the finished product; identity is confirmed on the CoA against CAS 123-62-6.

What is propionic anhydride used for?

It is a propionylating and esterifying agent for cellulose, fats, and perfume oils, and an intermediate in alkyd resins, dyestuffs, and other propionyl derivatives. It introduces a propionyl group where an acid would react too slowly.

What is the difference between propionic anhydride and propionic acid?

Propionic anhydride (C6H10O3) is two propionic-acid units joined with loss of water, making it a more reactive acylating agent than the parent propionic acid. It transfers a propionyl group and releases propionic acid as the byproduct.

What is the HS code for propionic anhydride and how does it ship?

It is classified under HS 2915.90 and transported under UN 2496 (propionic anhydride), a corrosive material. Review the SDS for GHS classification and handling, and confirm packaging requirements for your destination.

What bulk packaging and grades are available for propionic anhydride?

RawSource supplies propionic anhydride in drums, IBC totes, and bulk to manufacturers. Pricing is volume-dependent; submit your target quantity and any purity specification for a bulk quote, with a CoA and SDS provided per lot.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.