Pelargonic acid

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.

Properties

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.

Sources

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.

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.

Health and Safety

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

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.