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

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

In contrast, the treatment of BMDCs with valeric acid enhanced their antigen presentation ability.

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

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Marquardt,8 like Betelli, extracts the fusel oil from alcohol by means of chloroform, and by oxidation converts it into valeric acid.

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Upon conducting further analyses, the team found that treating dendritic cells with valeric acid led to an increase in the uptake of soluble proteins, insoluble beads, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

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