Valeric acid

Not to be confused with Valerenic acid.
Valeric acid[1]
Valeric acid
Names
IUPAC name
Pentanoic acid
Other names
1-Butanecarboxylic acid
Propylacetic acid
C5:0 (Lipid numbers)
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.003.344 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • Valeric acid: 203-677-2
RTECS number
  • Valeric acid: YV6100000
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C5H10O2/c1-2-3-4-5(6)7/h2-4H2,1H3,(H,6,7) checkY
    Key: NQPDZGIKBAWPEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • Valeric acid: InChI=1/C5H10O2/c1-2-3-4-5(6)7/h2-4H2,1H3,(H,6,7)
    Key: NQPDZGIKBAWPEJ-UHFFFAOYAU
  • Valeric acid: CCCCC(O)=O
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 185 °C (365 °F; 458 K)
4.97 g/100 mL
Acidity (pKa) 4.82
-66.85·10−6 cm3/mol
Hazards[2]
GHS labelling:
GHS05: Corrosive
Danger
H314, H412
P273, P280, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338+P310
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gasFlammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oilInstability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogenSpecial hazards (white): no code
3
1
0
Flash point 86 °C (187 °F; 359 K)
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Butyric acid, Hexanoic acid
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Valeric acid or pentanoic acid is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)3COOH. Like other low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids, it has an unpleasant odor. It is found in the perennial flowering plant Valeriana officinalis, from which it gets its name. Its primary use is in the synthesis of its esters. Salts and esters of valeric acid are known as valerates or pentanoates. Volatile esters of valeric acid tend to have pleasant odors and are used in perfumes and cosmetics. Several, including ethyl valerate and pentyl valerate are used as food additives because of their fruity flavors.

  1. ^ Merck Index, 13th Edition, 2001, page 1764.
  2. ^ Sigma-Aldrich. "Valeric acid". Retrieved 2020-09-29.