Butyric acid

Butyric acid (CAS 107-92-6), also known by its FEMA 2221 designation in flavor applications, is a short-chain fatty acid produced commercially for use across food, feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing. It functions primarily as a flavoring agent, pH regulator, and precursor for ester synthesis across multiple industrial sectors. In food and beverage production, it delivers characteristic dairy, rancid, and fermented flavor notes.

These notes are used in cheese flavors, butter emulations, and savory seasonings. The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors use the acid and its salts, particularly sodium and calcium butyrate, as gut health actives. It is also used as enteric coating components in tablet and capsule formulations. In animal nutrition, it is incorporated into feed additives to support intestinal integrity in poultry and swine, acting as an antimicrobial.

It also serves as a growth-performance enhancer in these applications. Fragrance and cosmetic formulators use it as a building block for butyrate esters, which contribute fruity and creamy scent profiles to finished products. The product is supplied as a liquid in standard commercial and technical grades. Food-grade material conforming to FCC specifications is available for flavor and feed applications to ensure high quality.

Pharmaceutical-grade supply meeting USP or BP standards is also accessible for regulated formulation use. This ensures compliance with international safety and purity requirements for sensitive applications.