Valeric acid
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Valeric acid | |
|---|---|
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| General | |
| Systematic name | Pentanoic acid |
| Other names | Valeric acid Butane-1-carboxylic acid |
| Molecular formula | C5H10O2 |
| SMILES | CCCCC(O)=O |
| Molar mass | 102.13 g/mol |
| Appearance | colorless liquid |
| CAS number | [539-82-2] |
| Properties | |
| Density and phase | 0.930 g/cm³, liquid |
| Solubility in water | 4.97 g/100 ml (25 °C) |
| Melting point | -35 °C (? K) |
| Boiling point | 186 °C (? K) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.82 |
| Viscosity | ? cP at ? °C |
| Hazards | |
| MSDS | External MSDS |
| Main hazards | irritant |
| NFPA 704 |
3
1
0
|
| Flash point | 86 °C |
| R/S statement | R: 34 52/53 S: 26 36 45 61 |
| RTECS number | YV6100000 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | Butyric acid Ethyl valerate Pentyl pentanoate |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
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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 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.
[edit] Practical Applications
Valeric acid, if applied directly, has been claimed to be an effective treatment for acne, as yet without support from peer reviewed trials.
