Pelargonic acid: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:49, 15 February 2025

An overview of pelargonic acid, its properties, and uses

Pelargonic acid[edit]

Pelargonic acid, also known as nonanoic acid, is a naturally occurring fatty acid with the chemical formula C_H__O_. It is a colorless, oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. Pelargonic acid is a member of the carboxylic acid family and is classified as a saturated fatty acid.

Chemical properties[edit]

Pelargonic acid is a monocarboxylic acid with a nine-carbon chain. It is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. The acid has a melting point of approximately 12.5 °C and a boiling point of 254 °C. Its molecular weight is 158.24 g/mol.

Occurrence[edit]

Pelargonic acid is found in nature as a component of the essential oils of certain plants, such as geraniums. It is also present in small amounts in animal fats and vegetable oils. The name "pelargonic" is derived from the genus Pelargonium, from which the acid was first isolated.

Uses[edit]

Pelargonic acid is used in various industrial applications. It is a precursor to esters used in perfumes and flavorings. The acid is also employed as a herbicide, particularly in organic farming, due to its ability to disrupt plant cell membranes.

In the cosmetic industry, pelargonic acid is used as an ingredient in emollients and skin conditioning agents. It is also used in the production of plasticizers and lubricants.

Safety and environmental impact[edit]

Pelargonic acid is considered to be of low toxicity to humans and animals. However, it can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. In the environment, it is biodegradable and does not persist, making it a relatively eco-friendly option for agricultural use.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Pelargonic acid''', also known as '''nonanoic acid''', is an organic compound with the chemical formula C9H18O2. It is a saturated fatty acid that naturally occurs in various plants and essential oils. Pelargonic acid is a colorless, oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. It is poorly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.
+{{Short description|An overview of pelargonic acid, its properties, and uses}}
-==Properties==
+==Pelargonic acid==
-Pelargonic acid has a molecular weight of 158.24 g/mol and a boiling point of 254 °C. It is classified as a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), which are fatty acids with aliphatic tails of 6 to 12 carbon atoms. These MCFAs have unique nutritional and metabolic properties compared to long-chain fatty acids.
+[[File:Pelargonic_acid.svg|thumb|right|Structural formula of pelargonic acid]]
+Pelargonic acid, also known as nonanoic acid, is a naturally occurring [[fatty acid]] with the chemical formula C_H__O_. It is a colorless, oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. Pelargonic acid is a member of the [[carboxylic acid]] family and is classified as a [[saturated fatty acid]].
-==Sources==
+==Chemical properties==
-This acid is found in the ester form in the oil of pelargoniums, from which it derives its name. It is also present in small quantities in many foods and essential oils. Commercially, pelargonic acid can be produced by the oxidation of nonanal or the ozonolysis of oleic acid.
+Pelargonic acid is a [[monocarboxylic acid]] with a nine-carbon chain. It is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents such as [[ethanol]] and [[ether]]. The acid has a melting point of approximately 12.5 °C and a boiling point of 254 °C. Its molecular weight is 158.24 g/mol.
+==Occurrence==
+Pelargonic acid is found in nature as a component of the essential oils of certain plants, such as [[geranium]]s. It is also present in small amounts in [[animal fat]]s and [[vegetable oil]]s. The name "pelargonic" is derived from the genus [[Pelargonium]], from which the acid was first isolated.
 ==Uses==
-Pelargonic acid has a variety of industrial and commercial applications. It is used as a flavoring agent and in the manufacture of perfumes, lubricants, plastics, and dyes. Due to its herbicidal properties, it is also employed as a non-selective herbicide for controlling a wide range of weeds. Furthermore, pelargonic acid serves as a building block in the synthesis of more complex chemicals, including plasticizers and surfactants.
+Pelargonic acid is used in various industrial applications. It is a precursor to [[esters]] used in [[perfume]]s and [[flavoring]]s. The acid is also employed as a [[herbicide]], particularly in organic farming, due to its ability to disrupt plant cell membranes.
-==Health and Safety==
+In the [[cosmetic]] industry, pelargonic acid is used as an ingredient in [[emollient]]s and [[skin conditioning]] agents. It is also used in the production of [[plasticizer]]s and [[lubricant]]s.
-While pelargonic acid is generally considered safe, it can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Ingestion of large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal distress. As with all chemicals, appropriate safety measures should be taken when handling pelargonic acid to avoid exposure.
-==Environmental Impact==
+==Safety and environmental impact==
-Pelargonic acid is biodegradable and considered to have low environmental toxicity. Its use as a herbicide is favored in some organic farming practices due to its natural occurrence and minimal long-term environmental impact.
+Pelargonic acid is considered to be of low toxicity to humans and animals. However, it can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. In the environment, it is biodegradable and does not persist, making it a relatively eco-friendly option for agricultural use.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Fatty acid]]
+* [[Carboxylic acid]]
+* [[Herbicide]]
+* [[Pelargonium]]
-[[Category:Organic acids]]
 [[Category:Fatty acids]]
+[[Category:Carboxylic acids]]
 [[Category:Herbicides]]
-[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
-{{Chem-stub}}