Substance profile
Valeric acid
Valeric acid is a colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor, similar to butyric acid.
01 · Identification
What Valeric acid is
Valeric acid is a colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor, similar to butyric acid. Its molecular formula is C5H10O2 and its molecular weight is 102.13 g/mol. It boils at 185 °C, melts at -34.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P273, P280, P301, P310, P331, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Valeric acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 185 °C (365 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
| 186.4 °C (367.5 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| 186 °C (366.8 °F) | JECFA | ||
| Melting point | -34.5 °C (-30.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 0.939 g/cm³ | CAMEO | |
| 0.94 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 0.939 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in alcohol, ether | HSDB | |
| Soluble in oxygenated solvents. | HSDB | ||
| Slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.15 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 0.196 mmHg | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| 1 mmHg | at 42.22 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 96.11 °C (205 °F) | HSDB | |
| 88.89 °C (192 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 86 °C (186.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 400 °C (752 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 7.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.5 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.52 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.00062 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor Threshold High: 0.0008 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| [Hawley] Odor threshold (low) and (100% recognition) from CHEMINFO | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Valeric acid
Storage conditions
Separated from strong bases.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PENTANOIC ACID is a carboxylic acid. Exothermically neutralizes bases, both organic and inorganic, producing water and a salt. Can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Reacts with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by reaction with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Reacts with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates and dithionites to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates to generate a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. May initiate polymerization reactions. May catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Valeric acid in the storage compatibility matrix →