Among the following organic acids, the acid present in rancid butter is :

Options

A. Pyruvic acid
B. Lactic acid
C. Butyric acid
D. Acetic acid

Answer

To determine the organic acid present in rancid butter, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the context
Rancid butter is a common term used to describe butter that has gone bad, often due to the breakdown of fats.

**Hint:** Think about what happens to fats when they spoil.

### Step 2: Understand the process of rancidity
When butter goes rancid, it undergoes hydrolysis, which breaks down the triglycerides (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol.

**Hint:** Consider what products are formed when fats are hydrolyzed.

### Step 3: Identify the specific acid
The primary organic acid that is released during the rancidity of butter is butyric acid. This acid is known for its unpleasant odor, which is characteristic of rancid butter.

**Hint:** Recall the common fatty acids and their sources, especially those related to dairy products.

### Step 4: Conclude the answer
Based on the information gathered, we can conclude that the acid present in rancid butter is butyric acid.

**Final Answer:** The correct option is butyric acid (option C).

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