Pelargonic acid
![]() | |
Names | |
---|---|
IUPAC name
Nonanoic acid
| |
Other names
Pelargonic acid, 1-Octanecarboxylic acid
| |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
|
|
ChEBI | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.574 |
EC Number |
|
KEGG | |
PubChem CID
|
|
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
|
|
| |
| |
Properties | |
C9H18O2 | |
Molar mass | 158.23 g/mol |
Appearance | Clear to yellowish oily liquid |
Density | 0.900 g/cm3 |
Melting point | 12.5 °C (54.5 °F; 285.6 K) |
Boiling point | 254 °C (489 °F; 527 K) |
0.3 g/L | |
Acidity (pKa) | 4.96[1]
1.055[2] 1.53[3] |
Hazards | |
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH): | |
Main hazards
|
Corrosive (C) |
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
Flash point | 114 °C (237 °F; 387 K) |
405 °C (761 °F; 678 K) | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
|
Nonanoic acid, also called pelargonic acid, is an organic compound composed of a nine-carbon chain terminating in a carboxylic acid with structural formula CH3(CH2)7COOH. Nonanoic acid forms esters—nonanoates. It is a clear, oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. It is nearly insoluble in water, but very soluble in chloroform, ether, and hexane. It is commonly used in conjunction with glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide, for a quick burn-down effect in the control of weeds in turfgrass.
Its refractive index is 1.4322. Its critical point is at 712 K (439 °C) and 2.35 MPa.
Occurrence and uses
Nonanoic acid is a fatty acid which occurs naturally as esters in the oil of pelargonium. Synthetic esters, such as methyl nonanoate, are used as flavorings.
Nonanoic acid is also used in the preparation of plasticizers and lacquers.
The derivative 4-nonanoylmorpholine is an ingredient in some pepper sprays.
The ammonium salt of nonanoic acid, ammonium nonanoate, is used in formulations of glyphosate, a herbicide.
Tradenames
Scythe