3-Methylbutanoic acid

3-Methylbutanoic acid
IUPAC name

3-Methylbutanoic acid
Other names

Delphinic acid
3-Methylbutyric acid
Isopentanoic acid
Identifiers
CAS number 503-74-2 Y
ChemSpider 10001 Y
UNII 1BR7X184L5 Y
DrugBank DB03750
KEGG C08262 Y
ChEBI CHEBI:28484 Y
ChEMBL CHEMBL568737 Y
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C5H10O2
Molar mass 102.13 g/mol
Density 0.925 g/cm³
Melting point

-29 °C, 244 K, -20 °F
Boiling point

175–177 °C
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

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] It is a major component of the cause of unpleasant foot odor.[2] Isovaleric acid is what gives stale hops its characteristically cheesy aroma and flavor.

Other synonyms include delphinic acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, and isopentanoic acid.

See also

References

  1. ^ M. Eadie Epilepsia 45(11) p1338 2004, http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.0013-9580.2004.27904.x
  2. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/oct/21/improbable-research

External links