5231. Isovaleric Acid

Nomenclature

CAS number: 503-74-2
3-Methylbutanoic acid; delphinic acid; isopentanoic acid; isopropylacetic acid; isovalerianic acid.
C5H10O2; mol wt 102.13.
C 58.80%, H 9.87%, O 31.33%.

Description and references

Occurs in hop oil, tobacco and several other plants: Schmeltz et al., J. Assoc. Off. Agric. Chem. 46, 779 (1963). Prepn: Caldwell, US 2484486 (1949 to Kodak); Gustak, Sajko, Ark. Kemi 24, 11 (1952), C.A. 49, 163e (1955); L'vov et al., Zh. Prikl. Khim. 35, 700 (1962). “Valeric” acid of commerce is isovaleric acid. Toxicity data: L. Or, A. Wretlind, Acta Pharmacol. Toxicol. 18, 141 (1961).

Chemical structure

Properties

Liquid. Acid taste; disagreeable, rancid-cheese odor. d420 0.931. mp 37°. bp 175-177°. nD20 1.4043. Sol in 24 parts water; sol in alcohol, chloroform, ether. Keep tightly closed. LD50 i.v. in mice: 1120±30 mg/kg (Or, Wretlind).

Use

In flavors, perfumes, manuf sedatives.