Related compounds Density 1.02 g/cm³ Melting point -42 °C Pubchem 31263 | Formula C6H10O3 Molar mass 130.14 g/mol Boiling point 167 °C | |
Appearance Clear liquid, with a strong smell similar to vinegar |
Propanoic anhydride is an organic compound with the formula (CH3CH2CO)2O. This simple acid anhydride is a colourless liquid. It is a widely used reagent in organic synthesis.
Contents

Synthesis
Propanoic anhydride has been prepared by dehydration of propanoic acid using ketene:
2 CH3CH2CO2H + CH2=C=O → (CH3CH2CO)2O + CH3CO2HSafety

Propanoic anhydride is strong smelling and corrosive, and will cause burns on contact with skin. Vapour can burn eyes and lungs.
Legal Status

Due to its potential use as a precursor in the synthesis of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, propanoic anhydride is regulated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration as a List I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act.




References
Propionic anhydride Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA