Nonanoic acid

Nonanoic acid, also called pelargonic acid, is an organic compound composed of a nine-carbon chain terminating in a carboxylic acid with structural formula CH3(CH2)7COOH. Nonanoic acid forms esters - nonanoates. It is a clear, oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. It is nearly insoluble in water, but very soluble in chloroform, ether, and hexane.

Its refractive index is 1.4322. Its critical point is at 712 K (439 °C) and 2.35 MPa.

Occurrence and uses
Nonanoic acid is a fatty acid which occurs naturally as esters in the oil of pelargonium. Synthetic esters, such as methyl nonanoate, are used as flavorings.

Nonanoic acid is also used in the preparation of plasticizers and lacquers and as a herbicide.

The derivative 4-nonanoylmorpholine is an ingredient in some pepper sprays.