pelargonic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, oily, water-immiscible liquid, C 9 H 1 8 O 2 , occurring as an ester in a volatile oil in species of pelargonium: used chiefly in organic synthesis and in the manufacture of lacquers and plastics.

pelargonic acid

/ ˌpɛləˈɡɒnɪk /

noun

1. another name for nonanoic acid

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelargonic acid¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelargonic acid¹

C19: so named because it was originally derived from pelargonium leaves

Example Sentences

It is promptly oxidized by nitric acid, and is converted into pelargonic acid and other fatty acids.

From Project Gutenberg