Nonanoic acid
Nonanoic acid, also called pelargonic acid, is an organic compound with structural formula CH37CO2H. It is a nine-carbon fatty acid. Nonanoic acid is a colorless oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. It is nearly insoluble in water, but very soluble in organic solvents. The esters and salts of nonanoic acid are called nonanoates.
Its refractive index is 1.4322. Its critical point is at 712 K and 2.35 MPa.Preparation, occurrence, and uses
Nonanoic acid occurs naturally as esters in the oil of pelargonium. Together with azelaic acid, it is produced industrially by ozonolysis of oleic acid.
Synthetic esters of nonanoic acid, such as methyl nonanoate, are used as flavorings. Nonanoic acid is also used in the preparation of plasticizers and lacquers. The derivative 4-nonanoylmorpholine is an ingredient in some pepper sprays. The ammonium salt of nonanoic acid, ammonium nonanoate, is an herbicide. It is commonly used in conjunction with glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide, for a quick burn-down effect in the control of weeds in turfgrass.Pharmacological effects
Nonanoic acid may be more potent than valproic acid in treating seizures. Moreover, in contrast to valproic acid, nonanoic acid exhibited no effect on HDAC inhibition, suggesting that it is unlikely to show HDAC inhibition-related teratogenicity.
