n-Pentanoic acid

Synonyms

n-Valeric acid; 1-Butanecarboxylic acid; Butanecarboxylic acid; Kyselina valerova [Czech]; Pentanoic acid; Propylacetic acid; VALERIC ACID, N-; Valerianic acid; Valeric acid; Valeric acid, normal; [ChemIDplus] UN3265

Category

Organic Acids

Description

Colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor; [Merck Index]

Sources/Uses

Used as a sugarcane ripening agent and intermediate; [HSDB] Used in the manufacture of solvents, rodenticides, and fungicides; Present in a variety of plants, fruits, dairy, and meat products; [CHEMINFO]

Comments

A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; [ICSC] Emergency treatment: "Acids"; [HSDB] Causes altered sleep time and seizures in intravenous, lethal-dose studies of mice; [RTECS] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; [MSDSonline]

Biomedical References

0.196 mm Hg

0.00062 ppm

Odor Threshold High

0.0008 ppm

LC50 (mice) = 2,050 mg/m3/4h

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 96 deg C; [Hawley] Odor threshold (low) and (100% recognition) from CHEMINFO; The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s." VP from ChemIDplus;

must be preheated

Yes

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)