3-Methylbutanoic acid
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| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
3-Methylbutanoic acid
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| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.007.251 |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| C5H10O2 | |
| Molar mass | 102.13 g/mol |
| Density | 0.925 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | -29 °C |
| Boiling point | 175-177 °C |
| Solubility in methanol | methanol 9.06 M [1] |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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3-Methylbutanoic acid, or more commonly isovaleric acid, is a natural fatty acid found in a wide variety of plants and essential oils. Isovaleric acid is clear colorless liquid that is sparingly soluble in water, but extremely soluble in most common organic solvents.
Isovaleric acid has a strong pungent cheesy or sweaty smell, but its volatile esters have pleasing scents and are used widely in perfumery. It has been proposed that it is the anticonvulsant agent in valerian.[2] It is a major component of the cause of unpleasant foot odor.[3]
Other synonyms include delphinic acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, and isopentanoic acid.