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Synthetic aroma chemicals

Pentanoic acid

Also known as Valeric acid, n-Valeric acid, n-Pentanoic acid

CAS 109-52-4Formula C5H10O2Molar mass 102.13 g/molEC 203-677-2
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive 105 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Pentanoic acid chemical structure, C5H10O2, CAS 109-52-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless liquid
Melting point
-34.5 °C
Boiling point
186 to 187
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.94
Flash point
96 °C
HS code
291560
Category
Synthetic aroma chemicals
UN number
UN 3265
Illustrative photo, a 1000 litre IBC tote of clear liquid in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Pentanoic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

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.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
pentanoic acid
CAS number
109-52-4 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
203-677-2
Molecular formula
C5H10O2
UNII
GZK92PJM7B
MDL number
MFCD00004413
INCI name
VALERIC ACID
InChIKey
NQPDZGIKBAWPEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C5H10O2/c1-2-3-4-5(6)7/h2-4H2,1H3,(H,6,7)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCCCC(=O)O

Synonyms

  • Valeric acid
  • n-Valeric acid
  • n-Pentanoic acid
  • Valerianic acid
  • 1-Butanecarboxylic acid
  • Propylacetic acid
  • Butanecarboxylic acid
  • Kyselina valerova
  • n-Pentanoate
  • Valeric acid, normal
  • Pentanoate
  • pentoic acid
  • Valeric acid, n-
  • 1-pentanoic acid
  • Valeriansaeure
  • n-Valerate
  • Pentanoic acid-1-13C
  • n-C4H9COOH
  • CH3-[CH2]3-COOH
  • FA 5:0
  • SHF
  • Butane-1-carboxylic acid
  • pentoate
  • Valerianate
  • Valeriansaure
Show all 37 synonyms
  • valerinic acid
  • Butanecarboxylate
  • 1-pentanoate
  • 1ylv
  • Pentanoic Acid, Valproic Acid Imp. A (EP), Valeric Acid, Valproic Acid Impurity A
  • 1-Butanecarboxylate
  • Valeric acid normal
  • n-BuCOOH
  • Valeric acid, 99%
  • C5:0, Valerianic acid
  • Valeric acid, >=99%
  • Pentanoic acid Valeric acid

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless liquidexp.
Odour
UNPLEASANT ODOR, SIMILAR TO BUTYRIC ACIDexp.
Taste
Unpleasant flavor, similar to butyric acidexp.
Melting point
-34.5 °Cexp.
Boiling point
186 to 187exp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.94exp.
Flash point
96 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
400 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 2.4 × 10⁺⁴ mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 0.02exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
102.13 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
102.0681 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.26calc.
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
3calc.
Heavy atoms
7calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.8calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
130NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (13)
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 3265
Transport hazard class
8

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Pentanoic acid suppliers

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All 105 suppliers
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Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

105 suppliers in 21 countries

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Pentanoic acid price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Intermediate for flavors and perfumes, ester-type lubricants, plasticizers, pharmaceuticals, vinyl stabilizers.

As sugarcane ripening agent.

Industrial uses: Fuel agents, Lubricating agent, Solvent, Intermediate.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name VALERIC ACID(perfuming)

Roles

  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • metabolite
  • plant metabolite

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance

Cosmetic functions

  • Perfuming

How it is made

Obtained by decompn of n-propylmalonic acid, from n-butyl chloride. Industrial synthesis by oxidation of amyl alcohol or by fermentation processes.

By oxidation of n-amyl alcohol or, together with other isomers, by distillation of valerian roots. Also by reacting butyl bromide and sodium cyanide with subsequent saponification of the formed butyl nitrile.

Reaction of n-butenes with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in presence of cobalt hydrocarbonyl catalyst (oxo process), followed by oxidation of the isolated n-pentanal

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 607-143-00-3

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Pentanoic acid is traded under.

HS 2915.60Indicative HS code

Butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters

World exports in 2024
$704M
+7.9% vs 2023, imports $679M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China24.0%
  2. United States23.0%
  3. Netherlands9.3%
Top importers
  1. India * partner reported9.8%
  2. United States9.7%
  3. Netherlands7.4%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Pentanoic acid is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Pentanoic acid, based on the data on this page

What is Pentanoic 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.

What is the CAS number of Pentanoic acid?

The CAS registry number of Pentanoic acid is 109-52-4.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Pentanoic acid?

The molecular formula of Pentanoic acid is C5H10O2 and its molar mass is 102.13 g/mol.

What is Pentanoic acid used for?

Intermediate for flavors and perfumes, ester-type lubricants, plasticizers, pharmaceuticals, vinyl stabilizers. As sugarcane ripening agent. Industrial uses: Fuel agents, Lubricating agent, Solvent, Intermediate.

Is Pentanoic acid hazardous?

Pentanoic acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: causes severe skin burns and eye damage, harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Pentanoic acid?

Pentanoic acid is usually classified under HS code 291560 (Butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Pentanoic acid?

CompoundList lists 105 suppliers of Pentanoic acid in China, United States, Germany, India and 17 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Pentanoic acid in India?

7 suppliers in India list Pentanoic acid on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Pentanoic acid?

Suppliers quote Pentanoic acid on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Pentanoic acid

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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