Butyl propionate is a colorless liquid with a pear drops-like or apple-like odor. The liquid is less dense than water. Its vapor is 4.5 times denser than the air at the mean ocean level.[1]
Butyl propionate may irritate skin and eyes. Exposure to its vapor may cause eye and respiratory system irritation. Upon ingestion, causes abdominal pain and nausea. This chemical is very flammable. It may ignite even at ambient temperatures. Above 32 °C (90 °F), explosive mixtures with air may be formed. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a violent reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite this chemical and the reaction products. Upon catching a fire, irritating, toxic and suffocating gases may be produced, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.[1]