Pivalic acid

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

Acetone2pinacolone
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Pivalic acid, also known as trimethylacetic acid, is a carboxylic acid with the formula (CH_3)_3CCO_2H. It is a branched-chain saturated fatty acid and is notable for its high degree of steric hindrance due to the presence of three methyl groups attached to the alpha carbon.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Pivalic acid is a white solid with a melting point of 35 to 38 °C and a boiling point of 163 °C. It has a density of 0.90 g/cm³ and is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and benzene. The pKa of pivalic acid is 5.03, indicating it is a weak acid.

Synthesis[edit]

Pivalic acid can be synthesized through the hydrolysis of tert-butyl chloride or by the oxidation of pinacolone. It is also produced as a byproduct in the Koch reaction.

Applications[edit]

Pivalic acid is used in the synthesis of esters and amides for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and polymers. Its esters, known as pivalates, are used as protecting groups in organic synthesis.

Safety and Handling[edit]

Pivalic acid should be handled with care, as it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. It has a flash point of 56 °C and an autoignition temperature of 410 °C. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used when handling this chemical.

Related Pages[edit]


Chemical Compound
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider ID
UNII
ChEBI
ChEMBL
Properties
Chemical Formula
Molar Mass
Appearance
Density
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Hazards
GHS Pictograms [[File:|50px]]
GHS Signal Word
GHS Hazard Statements
NFPA 704 [[File:|50px]]
References

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