Pentanoic acid
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Pentanoic acid
| |
| Other names
Butane-1-carboxylic acid
n-Pentanoic acid n-Valeric acid Valerianic acid Valeric acid | |
| Properties | |
| C5H10O2 C4H9COOH | |
| Molar mass | 102.13 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Unpleasant, rancid odor |
| Density | 0.939 g/cm3 (20 °C) |
| Melting point | −34.5 °C (−30.1 °F; 238.7 K) |
| Boiling point | 186.1 °C (367.0 °F; 459.2 K) |
| 4.97 g/100 ml | |
| Solubility | Reacts with amines Slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride |
| Vapor pressure | 0.196 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.82 |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Flash point | 86 °C (187 °F; 359 K) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Butyric acid |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Pentanoic acid, more commonly known as valeric acid or valerianic acid is an organic compound, a carboxylic acid with the formula C5H10O2 or C4H9COOH.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Pentanoic acid reacts with bases to form salts, known as valerates or pentanoates.
Physical
Valeric acid is a colorless liquid, poorly soluble in water, but more soluble in organic solvents.
Availability
Valeric acid is sold by chemical suppliers.
Valeric acid is also found in the Valerian genus plants, from which it was first isolated.
Preparation
Valerianic acid can be prepared by oxidizing n-pentanol with potassium permanganate.
Pentanoic acid can be prepared by reacting a butyl halide with magnesium to obtain a Grignard reagent, which is further reacted with carbon dioxide to give valeric salt. Adding a strong acid will yield the valeric acid.
Projects
- Make esters
Handling
Safety
Valeric acid should be handled with proper protection, as it is irritant.
Storage
In closed bottles.
Disposal
Can be neutralized by neutralizing it with a base then pyrolyzing the salt in a kiln.
