Butyric acid, also known by the chemical names butanoic acid and n-Butyric acid, is a carboxylic acid that is commonly found in its esterified form in plant oils and animal fat. Butyric acid is a colourless liquid with an unpleasant, penetrant odour. It tastes like butter and is used as a flavouring agent in food manufacturing. Butyric acid is soluble in water, ether, and ethanol. It is highly corrosive to metals and tissue, and protective eye-goggles, gloves made of PVC or rubber, as well as chemical-resistant shoes are worn when handling butyric acid as a safety measure. For industrial applications, butyric acid is generally prepared by fermenting starch or sugar.