3-Methylbutanoic acid
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| 3-Methylbutanoic acid | |
|---|---|
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| IUPAC name | 3-Methylbutanoic acid |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [503-74-2] |
| SMILES | CC(C)CC(O)O |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C5H10O2 |
| Molar mass | 102.13 g/mol |
| Density | 0.925 g/cm³ |
| Melting point |
-29 °C |
| Boiling point |
175-177 °C |
| 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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3-Methylbutanoic acid, or more commonly isovaleric acid, is a natural fatty acid found in a wide variety of plants and essential oils. Isovaleric acid is clear colorless liquid that is sparingly soluble in water, but extremely soluble in most common organic solvents.
Isovaleric acid has a strong pungent cheesy or sweaty smell, but its volatile esters have pleasing scents and are used widely in perfumery. It has been proposed that it is the anticonvulsant agent in valerian.[1]
Other synonyms include delphinic acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, and isopentanoic acid.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
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This article does not cite any references or sources. (September 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
- ^ M. Eadie Epilepsia 45(11) p1338 2004, http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.0013-9580.2004.27904.x
