Flavor and fragrance precursors
Pentanoic acid is used as an intermediate for flavor and fragrance ingredients. [3]
01
THE ESSENTIALS
Pentanoic Acid in 30 Seconds
One carboxyl group terminates a four-carbon alkyl chain. The carboxyl carbon brings the total to five; branched valeric-acid isomers are different compounds.
Pentanoic acid, often sold as valeric acid, is the straight-chain five-carbon free acid. Its ester and salt derivatives have distinct identities and uses. [1] [3]
Safety at a glance — TCI V0003 identifies severe skin burns and eye damage, and harmful ingestion or inhalation. Merck 800821 also identifies corrosivity and long-lasting aquatic harm. Keep the product-specific differences visible; the liquid is not harmless because its derivatives enter flavors. [4] [5] [6]
A condensed structural formula keeps the functional groups visible. [1]
02
GO A LITTLE DEEPER
Understanding Pentanoic Acid
THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
The functional groups
One carboxyl group terminates a four-carbon alkyl chain. The carboxyl carbon brings the total to five; branched valeric-acid isomers are different compounds. [1]
A LITTLE DEEPER
What the structure changes
The carboxyl group supplies the acidic proton. Removing it produces a resonance-stabilized pentanoate ion. The alkyl chain adds a nonpolar part to the molecule, so acid strength alone does not describe its behavior in a formulation. [1] [12]
Technical detail Identity, dissociation & specification
The formula and connectivity describe the neutral, straight-chain free acid. The displayed pKa retains the temperature reported by its compiled source; ionic strength and measurement basis were not stated. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6]
Acid–base reference values describe equilibria under specified conditions. They are not a substitute for a validated formulation or an assay on the purchased lot.
03
MAKE THE CONNECTION
How Pentanoic Acid Compares
Similar names and functional groups do not mean interchangeable chemicals.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Pentanoic Acid vs Butyric Acid
Saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid
versusAliphatic monocarboxylic acid
Fixed comparison for this prototype. Acid selectors are disabled; additional comparisons are coming later.
| Property | Pentanoic Acid | Butyric Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₅H₁₀O₂ [1] | C₄H₈O₂ [7] |
| Molecular weight | 102.13 g/mol [1] | 88.11 g/mol [7] |
| Carbon atoms | 5 [1] | 4 [7] |
| Carboxyl groups | 1 [1] | 1 [7] |
| Structure | CH₃–(CH₂)₃–COOH [1] | CH₃–CH₂–CH₂–COOH [7] |
| Chemical family | Saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [1] | Aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [7] |
| Identity focus | Free acid; liquid at 20 °C [1] | Liquid [7] |
Chemical identities are compared here; supplier grades, concentrations, and stereochemical specifications are separate purchasing attributes. pKa values retain their stated conditions; no quantitative solubility ranking is implied.
When Might You Choose One Instead of the Other?
Choose the five-carbon acid when a synthesis requires a pentanoyl group; choose butyric acid when the target requires a butanoyl group. Similar functionality does not establish formulation interchangeability. [1] [3] [7]
Specified starting material
Pentanoic Acid
Match CH₃–(CH₂)₃–COOH and the method’s required chemical form.
Butyric Acid
Match CH₃–CH₂–CH₂–COOH; verify the identity before substituting a related acid.
Before choosing: match the reaction or formulation, then verify the exact form, grade, assay basis, and impurities. These contexts do not establish suitability for an industrial or regulated application.
04
FROM STRUCTURE TO APPLICATION
What Is Pentanoic Acid Used For?
Flavor and fragrance precursors
Pentanoic acid is used as an intermediate for flavor and fragrance ingredients. The resulting esters have their own odor profiles and specifications; this does not make reagent-grade free acid a food ingredient. [3]
Ester and specialty-chemical intermediates
Compiled industrial references identify valeric acid as an intermediate for ester lubricants and plasticizers. Lubrication or plasticization belongs to the downstream product, rather than to a bottle of free acid. [3]
06
SOURCE WITH CONTEXT
Pentanoic Acid Suppliers
Compare specific products and package options. Listings are not ranked recommendations.
3 suppliers · 3 products · 7 package listingsLatest supplier check: October 3, 2026
Package sizes stay grouped under the supplier product. Assay methods, product forms, and regional markets remain visible. Specify the straight-chain CAS 109-52-4, GC versus titration requirements, water and impurity limits, and package volume. The displayed Wako 1st Grade product has a different assay specification from the other listings.
Scroll horizontally if needed. Supplier and package identity stay visible.
| Supplier | Product / Grade | Purity / Assay | Package Size | Public Price | Normalized Price | Documentation | Last Checked | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCI AmericaPentanoic Acid | Named grade not statedV0003 · 25 mLFree acid; GC and neutralization titration are separate specifications where both are listed. | GC: minimum 98.0% Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0% | 25 mL | $26.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: TCI America
| View Product: TCI America, V0003 · 25 mL (opens new tab) | |
| Named grade not statedV0003 · 500 mLFree acid; GC and neutralization titration are separate specifications where both are listed. | GC: minimum 98.0% Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0% | 500 mL | $54.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: TCI America, V0003 · 500 mL (opens new tab) | |||
| Sigma-Aldrich / MerckPentanoic Acid | For synthesis8008210100The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred. | 98.0% minimum (GC area %, a/a) | 100 mL | $39.60USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
| View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 8008210100 (opens new tab) | |
| For synthesis8008210500The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred. | 98.0% minimum (GC area %, a/a) | 500 mL | $56.10USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 8008210500 (opens new tab) | |||
| For synthesis8008211000The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred. | 98.0% minimum (GC area %, a/a) | 1 L | $86.10USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 8008211000 (opens new tab) | |||
| FUJIFILM WakoPentanoic Acid | Wako 1st Grade221-01292Research / further manufacturing; Japan stock listing does not confirm US availability. | 95.0+% (GC) | 25 mL | $47.00USD · US catalog list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
| View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 221-01292 (opens new tab) | |
| Wako 1st Grade225-01295Research / further manufacturing; Japan stock listing does not confirm US availability. | 95.0+% (GC) | 500 mL | $147.00USD · US catalog list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 225-01295 (opens new tab) |
TCI America
Pentanoic Acid
Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0%
Named grade not stated
Free acid; GC and neutralization titration are separate specifications where both are listed.
25 mL
V0003 · 25 mL- Public price
- $26.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 mL
V0003 · 500 mL- Public price
- $54.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: TCI America
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
Pentanoic Acid
For synthesis
The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred.
100 mL
8008210100- Public price
- $39.60USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 mL
8008210500- Public price
- $56.10USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
1 L
8008211000- Public price
- $86.10USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
FUJIFILM Wako
Pentanoic Acid
Wako 1st Grade
Research / further manufacturing; Japan stock listing does not confirm US availability.
25 mL
221-01292- Public price
- $47.00USD · US catalog list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 mL
225-01295- Public price
- $147.00USD · US catalog list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Documentation evidence
COA = Certificate of Analysis · SDS = Safety Data Sheet · COO = Certificate of Origin.
Lookup means a retrieval option was visible, not that a lot certificate was reviewed. Check supplier means availability or the applicable document was not verified.
Prices may vary by quantity, account, contract, geography, and availability. These products have different grades, assay bases, or forms; no normalized comparison is shown. Foreign-market prices are reference listings only. No currency conversion, mass-to-volume conversion, or ranking is applied. Confirm equivalent specifications and a current quote before comparison. [4] [5] [6]
Verification limits & placement policy
Melting point: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. NIST fusion records 239.7 K and 238.7 K; TCI −18 °C and Wako −20 to −18 °C. Same nominal CAS; no hydrate or stereoisomer distinction, measurement/purity explanation unestablished. Numeric main melting field omitted. Solubility: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. Merck 40 g/L lacks a temperature; HSDB has 24 g/L at 25 °C. No matched measurement basis establishes the cause. Display only the attributed, condition-labelled 25 °C reference; do not rank solubilities.
Only the displayed identity, specification, packages, public prices and stated documentation evidence were reviewed. Current stock, lead times, shipping eligibility, contract pricing, lot certificates, and regulatory suitability are unverified.
There are no paid placements. Future paid listings will show “Sponsored” in both views; payment will not determine chemistry interpretation or imply a ranking.
07
PLAN A LARGER ORDER
Need Pentanoic Acid in Bulk?
Turn your requirements into a clear supplier brief.
Bulk RFQ feature — coming soon. Prototype form: submissions are not currently sent to suppliers. Use sample details to prepare an on-screen brief.
Prepare a bulk request Prototype form
08
A BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Before You Buy Pentanoic Acid
Selections remain only while this page is open.
09
FOR YOUR REFERENCE
Pentanoic Acid Technical Reference
Identity, product reference properties, and handling context.
Identification Names, formula & identifiers
- Principal CAS
- 109-52-4
- Identity focus
- Free acid; liquid at 20 °C
- Formula
- C₅H₁₀O₂
- Molecular weight
- 102.13 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- pentanoic acid
- Connectivity SMILES
- CCCCC(=O)O
- Identity SMILES
- CCCCC(=O)O
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C5H10O2/c1-2-3-4-5(6)7/h2-4H2,1H3,(H,6,7)
- PubChem CID
- 7991
Connectivity SMILES describes connectivity; it is not an independent stereochemical assignment. CAS and product-form distinctions are supported by the supplier listings. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Physical Properties Product references & conditions
Pentanoic acid is liquid at 20 °C. A substantially inconsistent melting-point listing was excluded from the main reference field; the cause was not established from the retrieved records. [13] [14] [5]
- Boiling reference
- 459 ± 2 K (about 186 ± 2 °C); NIST compiled boiling-point average [13]
- Water solubility
- 24 g/L at 25 °C; HSDB attribution to Yalkowsky and He (2003) [14]
- Product density
- 0.938 g/cm³ at 20 °C; Merck 800821 product reference [5]
Hydrate, concentration, stereoisomer, and temperature can change the relevant specification. Product reference data are not a reviewed lot certificate.
Acid/Base Properties Verified values & missing data
Reference pKa: 4.842 (water, 25 °C; compiled Dean reference; ionic strength not stated). [2]
Melting point: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. NIST fusion records 239.7 K and 238.7 K; TCI −18 °C and Wako −20 to −18 °C. Same nominal CAS; no hydrate or stereoisomer distinction, measurement/purity explanation unestablished. Numeric main melting field omitted. Solubility: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. Merck 40 g/L lacks a temperature; HSDB has 24 g/L at 25 °C. No matched measurement basis establishes the cause. Display only the attributed, condition-labelled 25 °C reference; do not rank solubilities.
Temperature, ionic strength, and the use of activities versus concentrations matter in quantitative work. These reference values are not buffer recipes.
Safety at a Glance Product-specific hazards
TCI V0003 identifies severe skin burns and eye damage, and harmful ingestion or inhalation. Merck 800821 also identifies corrosivity and long-lasting aquatic harm. Keep the product-specific differences visible; the liquid is not harmless because its derivatives enter flavors. [4] [5] [6]
Hazard classifications can vary by concentration, product, supplier and jurisdiction. Review the SDS for the exact product before handling. This summary does not replace the SDS.
Supplier safety information and SDS retrieval (opens new tab)
A product-page safety classification is not verification of every regional SDS. Confirm product code, chemical form and current local document.
Review supplier documentation10
COMMON QUESTIONS
Pentanoic Acid FAQ
What distinguishes Pentanoic Acid?
One carboxyl group terminates a four-carbon alkyl chain. The carboxyl carbon brings the total to five; branched valeric-acid isomers are different compounds. [1]
How does it differ from Butyric Acid?
Pentanoic and butyric acids differ by one methylene group. Esterification therefore produces different acyl residues; a butyrate is not a valerate. [7]
What must a buyer specify?
Specify the straight-chain CAS 109-52-4, GC versus titration requirements, water and impurity limits, and package volume. The displayed Wako 1st Grade product has a different assay specification from the other listings. [4]
Are the listed products directly price-comparable?
No. The table retains differing grades, assay bases, forms, and markets. No normalized ranking or currency conversion is applied. [5]
What reference data still need checking?
Melting point: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. NIST fusion records 239.7 K and 238.7 K; TCI −18 °C and Wako −20 to −18 °C. Same nominal CAS; no hydrate or stereoisomer distinction, measurement/purity explanation unestablished. Numeric main melting field omitted. Solubility: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. Merck 40 g/L lacks a temperature; HSDB has 24 g/L at 25 °C. No matched measurement basis establishes the cause. Display only the attributed, condition-labelled 25 °C reference; do not rank solubilities.
Can I request a bulk quote here?
The RFQ is a prototype that prepares an on-screen brief. Nothing is sent to suppliers. Confirm actual bulk terms directly with the supplier.
11
TRACE THE INFORMATION
Sources & Editorial Notes
Identity and compiled reference values are separated from supplier-specific specifications. Structural comparisons and buyer guidance are editorial interpretation. Sources were checked October 3, 2026; supplier information can change.
- PubChem · chemical identity (opens new tab)
Neutral molecular identity verified independently through PUG REST; CAS also checked on all selected supplier products.
- PubChem / HSDB · dissociation references (opens new tab)
The cited reference and available conditions are retained; unspecified measurement conditions are not inferred.
- PubChem / HSDB · application references (opens new tab)
Attributed application records reviewed claim by claim. Free acid, intermediate, derivative and biological context are distinguished.
- TCI America · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- Sigma-Aldrich / Merck · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- FUJIFILM Wako · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- Butyric Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Primary structural comparison. Practical interpretation does not establish suitability.
- Hexanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Heptanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Acetic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Butyric Acid · dissociation references (opens new tab)
Only independently reviewed values are promoted into the comparison; no condition-free acidity ranking.
- OpenStax · Carboxylic-acid structure and properties (opens new tab)
General carboxylate resonance, acidity and structural interpretation; not authority for this acid’s quantitative constants.
- NIST · phase-change data (opens new tab)
Compiled fusion and boiling data; original references and uncertainties retained.
- PubChem / HSDB · attributed physical references (opens new tab)
Individual references reviewed; numerical fields selected or omitted with conditions and conflict dispositions.
Review limits
Melting point: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. NIST fusion records 239.7 K and 238.7 K; TCI −18 °C and Wako −20 to −18 °C. Same nominal CAS; no hydrate or stereoisomer distinction, measurement/purity explanation unestablished. Numeric main melting field omitted. Solubility: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. Merck 40 g/L lacks a temperature; HSDB has 24 g/L at 25 °C. No matched measurement basis establishes the cause. Display only the attributed, condition-labelled 25 °C reference; do not rank solubilities.
This informational prototype is not a supplier, quotation service, or endorsement of a product’s fitness for an application. Buyers should verify the applicable specification, certification, and regulatory requirements for their intended use.