3-Methylbutanoic acid
IUPAC name	3-Methylbutanoic acid
Identifiers
CAS number	503-74-2
SMILES	CC(C)CC(O)O
Properties
Molecular formula	C5H10O2
Molar mass	102.13 g/mol
Density	0.925 g/cm³
Melting point	-29 °C
Boiling point	175-177 °C
Solubility in methanol	methanol 9.06 M [1]
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

3-Methylbutanoic acid, or more commonly isovaleric acid, is a natural fatty acid found in a wide variety of plants and essential oils. Isovaleric acid is clear colorless liquid that is sparingly soluble in water, but extremely soluble in most common organic solvents.

Isovaleric acid has a strong pungent cheesy or sweaty smell, but its volatile esters have pleasing scents and are used widely in perfumery. It has been proposed that it is the anticonvulsant agent in valerian.^[2] It is a major component of the cause of unpleasant foot odor.^[3]

Other synonyms include delphinic acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, and isopentanoic acid.

[edit] See also

• Isovaleric acidemia

[edit] References

1. ^ Solubility of isovaleric acid in methanol
2. ^ M. Eadie Epilepsia 45(11) p1338 2004, http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.0013-9580.2004.27904.x
3. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/oct/21/improbable-research

[edit] External links

• PubChem 10430