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[Biochemistry](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/) · Molecule

# Propionyl-CoA

Propionyl-CoA is the 3-carbon remnant left by odd-chain fatty acids and some amino acids; it ends up as succinyl-CoA.

Updated 2026-11-01

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## Key facts

- Comes from the last β-oxidation turn of odd-chain fatty acids and from valine, isoleucine, methionine and threonine.
- Route: propionyl-CoA carboxylase (biotin) → methylmalonyl-CoA → mutase (vitamin B12) → succinyl-CoA.
- It is the only part of a fatty acid that can give net glucose (succinyl-CoA enters the Krebs cycle).

## Memory aid

VIMT + odd chains → propionyl-CoA

**Also called**
Propanoyl-CoA

**Formula**
C₂₄H₄₀N₇O₁₇P₃S

**PubChem**
[CID 92753](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/92753)

## Structure

- A propionyl group (3 C) linked by a thioester to coenzyme A.

## Clinical notes

- Its carboxylase is missing in propionic acidaemia; the mutase, in methylmalonic acidaemia.
- In vitamin B12 deficiency methylmalonic acid builds up, a useful marker to tell it from folate deficiency.

## Pathways

- [Fatty acid β-oxidation](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/fatty-acid-oxidation/)
- [Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/krebs-cycle/)
- [Propionyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/propionyl-coa-to-succinyl-coa/)
- [Classic bile acid synthesis pathway](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/classic-bile-acid-synthesis-pathway/)

## Related

- [Odd-chain fatty acids and propionate metabolism](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/odd-chain-fatty-acids-and-propionate-metabolism/)
- [Acetyl-CoA](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/acetyl-coa/)
- [Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/krebs-cycle/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which two vitamins does turning propionyl-CoA into succinyl-CoA need?

Biotin (propionyl-CoA carboxylase) and vitamin B12 (methylmalonyl-CoA mutase).

## Why is propionyl-CoA glucogenic?

It becomes succinyl-CoA, which in the Krebs cycle gives oxaloacetate for gluconeogenesis.

## Which amino acids produce propionyl-CoA?

Valine, isoleucine, methionine and threonine ("VIMT").

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Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Propionyl CoA (CID 92753)](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/92753) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; [Propionyl-CoA catabolism](https://reactome.org/PathwayBrowser/#/R-HSA-71032) (Reactome, 2026); [Propionic acidemia: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/propionic-acidemia/) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/propionyl-coa/