V

Valeric acid

IUPAC: pentanoic acid

C5H10O2 Acids CAS 109-52-4
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC5H10O2
CAS Number109-52-4
Molecular Weight102.13
Melting Point-30.1 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point365 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.939 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePentanoic acid appears as a colorless liquid with a penetrating unpleasant odor. Density 0.94 g / cm3. Freezing point -93.2 °F (-34 °C). Boiling point 365.7 °F (185.4 °C). Flash point 192 °F (...
Also Known Aspentanoic acid; PENTANOIC ACID; 109-52-4; n-Valeric acid; n-Pentanoic acid; Valerianic acid; 1-Butanecarboxylic acid; Propylacetic acid; Butanecarboxylic acid; Kyselina valerova
CategoryAcids

What is Valeric acid?

Valeric acid is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid containing five carbon atoms. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a short-chain fatty acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a valerate.

Formula & Notation

C5H10O2

IUPAC Name: pentanoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: pentanoic acid; PENTANOIC ACID; 109-52-4; n-Valeric acid; n-Pentanoic acid; Valerianic acid; 1-Butanecarboxylic acid; Propylacetic acid; Butanecarboxylic acid; Kyselina valerova

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Pentanoic acid appears as a colorless liquid with a penetrating unpleasant odor. Density 0.94 g / cm3. Freezing point -93.2 °F (-34 °C). Boiling point 365.7 °F (185.4 °C). Flash point 192 °F (.... Molecular formula: C5H10O2. Molecular weight: 102.13 g/mol. Boiling point: 365 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -30.1 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.939 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 10 to 50 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 108 °F ; 40 mmHg at 226.0 °F; 760 mmHg at 363.9 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 1.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-30.1 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point365 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.939 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight102.13
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePentanoic acid appears as a colorless liquid with a penetrating unpleasant odor. Density 0.94 g / cm3. Freezing point -93.2 °F (-34 °C). Boiling point 365.7 °F (185.4 °C). Flash point 192 °F (...

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Valeric acid
Formula C5H10O2
CAS Number 109-52-4
Molecular Weight 102.13
Category Acids
Synonyms pentanoic acid; PENTANOIC ACID; 109-52-4; n-Valeric acid; n-Pentanoic acid; Valerianic acid; 1-Butanecarboxylic acid; Propylacetic acid; Butanecarboxylic acid; Kyselina valerova

Frequently Asked Questions

Valeric acid is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid containing five carbon atoms. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a short-chain fatty acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a valerate.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.