valeric acid

nounChemistry.

any of several isomeric organic acids having the formula C5H10O2, the common one being a liquid of pungent odor obtained from valerian roots: used chiefly as an intermediate in perfumery.

Origin of valeric acid

First recorded in 1855–60

Words Nearby valeric acid

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use valeric acid in a sentence

By passing dry hydrochloric acid gas into an alcoholic solution of valeric acid.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I | Arnold Cooley
Small quantities of valeric acid, higher alcohols, and odorous products were formed.
Researches on Cellulose | C. F. Cross
According to recent experiments, it is identical with valeric acid.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I | Arnold Cooley

British Dictionary definitions for valeric acid

valeric acid

noun

another name for pentanoic acid

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for valeric acid

valeric acid

[ və-lîr′ĭk, -lĕr′- ]

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: C5H10O2.

Browse