I am aware that bacteria in the gut are able to produce SCFA, amongst them are butyrate, propionate and acetate. I am confused with the terms butyric acid, acetic acid and propionic acid. Whats the difference between the -acid and other name and when do you use which?
Organic acids such as these are defined by the presence of a -COOH group. When in this protonated form, it is considered an acid, thus, acetic acid is CH3COOH, etc. If the pH is raised, such as by addition of a base, then the acid loses a proton, which is replaced by the cation of the base. So, addition of NaOH would result in the salt sodium acetate, CH3COONa. At physiological pH, most organic acids will exist as the salt form, thus they can be called acetate, propionate, etc. Of course, an equlibrium exists between the acid form and the salt form, so both are present to some extent. This is why people use either term interchangeably.
Organic acids such as these are defined by the presence of a -COOH group. When in this protonated form, it is considered an acid, thus, acetic acid is CH3COOH, etc. If the pH is raised, such as by addition of a base, then the acid loses a proton, which is replaced by the cation of the base. So, addition of NaOH would result in the salt sodium acetate, CH3COONa. At physiological pH, most organic acids will exist as the salt form, thus they can be called acetate, propionate, etc. Of course, an equlibrium exists between the acid form and the salt form, so both are present to some extent. This is why people use either term interchangeably.
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