Butyric Acid
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Butyric acid is a chemical compound with the formula C4H8O2, known for its rancid butter odor. It occurs naturally in rancid butter, sweat, and is produced in the digestive tract through fermentation processes.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Butyric acid, normal, CH3CH2CH2COOH=C4H8O2, a liquid with the odor of rancid butter; boiling point 162°, melting point -7.9°, specific gravity 0.9781 at 0°. Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. B. acid is obtained during butyric fermentation of sugar and glycerin: C6H12O6 = 2CO2 + 2H2 + C4H8O2 glucose
B. acid is also formed under the influence of mold fungi. In animal organisms, B. acid is formed in the digestive tract during the fermentation of carbohydrates, the putrefaction of protein substances, and during the breakdown of fats in urine. In the form of a glyceride ester, it is found in butter; in free form - in rancid butter, in sweat.
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“Butyric Acid.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/butyric-acid/