Isovaleric acid
Agent Name
Isovaleric acid
CAS Number
503-74-2
Formula
C5-H10-O2
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
3-Methylbutanoic acid; 3-Methylbutyrate; 3-Methylbutyric acid; Acetic acid, isopropyl-; Butanoic acid, 3-methyl-; Butyric acid, 3-methyl-; Delphinic acid; Isobutyl formic acid; Isobutylformic acid; Isopentanoic acid; Isopropylacetic acid; Isovalerianic acid; Isovaleric acid (natural); Kyselina isovalerova [Czech]; beta-Methylbutyric acid; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Organic Acids
Description
Liquid with a disagreeable odor like rancid cheese; [Merck Index] Clear colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor; [CHEMINFO]
Sources/Uses
Found in hop oil, tobacco, and other plants; [Merck Index] Used as a fragrance and flavor and to make fungicides, rodenticides, sedatives, narcotics, and other drugs; [HSDB] Used to make esters for solvents, softeners, and perfumes; [CHEMINFO]
Comments
Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] Mild irritant when administered to eye of rabbit; Corrosive to skin of mice; Caused somnolence and ataxia in lethal-dose feeding studies of rats; [RTECS] Corrosive to tissue; [CAMEO] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; [CHEMINFO] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
0.44 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.0015 ppm
Odor Threshold High
0.72 ppm
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
high ambient temp required
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.