Valeric acid
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Names | |
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IUPAC name
Pentanoic acid
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Other names
Valeric acid
Butane-1-carboxylic acid Valerianic acid | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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ChEMBL | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.344 |
PubChem CID
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RTECS number |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
C5H10O2 | |
Molar mass | 102.133 g·mol−1 |
Appearance | Colorless liquid |
Density | 0.930 g/cm3 |
Melting point | −34.5 °C (−30.1 °F; 238.7 K) |
Boiling point | 186 to 187 °C (367 to 369 °F; 459 to 460 K) |
4.97 g/100 mL | |
Acidity (pKa) | 4.82 |
Hazards | |
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH): | |
Main hazards
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irritant |
Flash point | 86 °C (187 °F; 359 K) |
Related compounds | |
Related compounds
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Butyric acid Ethyl valerate Pentyl pentanoate |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Valeric acid, or pentanoic acid, is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula C5H10O2. Like other low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids, it has a very unpleasant odor. It is found naturally in the perennial flowering plant valerian (Valeriana officinalis), from which it gets its name. Its primary use is in the synthesis of its esters. Volatile esters of valeric acid tend to have pleasant odors and are used in perfumes and cosmetics. Ethyl valerate and pentyl valerate are used as food additives because of their fruity flavors.
Valeric acid appears similar in structure to GHB and the neurotransmitter GABA in that it is a short-chain carboxylic acid, although it lacks the alcohol and amine functional groups that contribute to the biological activities of GHB and GABA, respectively. It differs from valproic acid simply by lacking a 3-carbon side-chain. Mevalonic acid is derived from valeric acid by methylation.
Safety
Valeric acid can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.
See also
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Wiktionary-logo-en-v2.svg/40px-Wiktionary-logo-en-v2.svg.png)
- 4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid
- Pivalic acid (2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid)
- 3-Methylbutanoic acid, also called isovaleric acid
References
- ^ Merck Index, 12th Edition, 10042.