Valeric acid

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Valeric acid

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	[109-52-4]
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 (pK_a)	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

Valeric acid, or pentanoic acid, is a straight chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula C H₃(C H₂)₃C O O H. 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 has a similar structure to both GHB and the neurotransmitter GABA.

1 Safety
2 Practical Applications
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Safety

Valeric acid can cause irritation to humans if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes, but otherwise causes little harm because it tends not to vapourise at room temperature unless it is in its pure glacial form. It is, however, toxic to aquatic life and so should not be disposed of into drains without first diluting the acidic solution.