valeric acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of several isomeric organic acids having the formula C 5 H 10 O 2 , the common one being a liquid of pungent odor obtained from valerian roots: used chiefly as an intermediate in perfumery.

valeric acid

noun

1. another name for pentanoic acid

valeric acid

/ və-lîr′ĭk,-lĕr′- /

1. A colorless, liquid organic acid that occurs in four isomeric forms and has a disagreeable odor. It occurs naturally in oils from certain marine animals and plants, and is used in flavorings, perfumes, plasticizers, and pharmaceuticals. Chemical formula: C 5 H 10 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of valeric acid¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

By passing dry hydrochloric acid gas into an alcoholic solution of valeric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Small quantities of valeric acid, higher alcohols, and odorous products were formed.

From Project Gutenberg

According to recent experiments, it is identical with valeric acid.

From Project Gutenberg