Trivial name for butanoic acid, which is one of the carboxylic acids. It is produced in nature by butyric acid fermentation, in which, in addition to butyric acid, mainly hydrogen and carbon dioxide are formed from sugar and starch, and acetone, butanol and ethanol(alcohol) are produced as by-products. Butyric acid is found in particular in the butter that gives it its name (in large quantities when it spoils), in many types of cheese, in wood vinegar and in human sweat. Butyric acid smells very unpleasant and disgusting like vomit and is a cause of bad breath. In wine, it is a volatile acid (as methylbutyric acid) and is present in very small quantities (3 mg/litre).
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