CH3CH27COOH

CH3CH27COOH, also known as nonanoic acid or pelargonic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C9H18O2. It is a straight-chain carboxylic acid consisting of nine carbon atoms. At room temperature, nonanoic acid is typically a colorless to yellowish oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. It is slightly soluble in water but miscible with many organic solvents.

Nonanoic acid occurs naturally in various plant oils, including coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It is also found in the essential oil of pelargonium, from which it derives its common name. Industrially, nonanoic acid can be produced through the oxidation of nonanal or by ozonolysis of oleic acid.

This fatty acid has several applications. It is used in the production of herbicides, particularly those that are contact herbicides, as it disrupts cell membranes. It also finds use as a flavoring agent in food products and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals, such as plasticizers and lubricants. In some cosmetic formulations, it can act as an emollient. Nonanoic acid is generally considered to have low toxicity, although it can be irritating to the skin and eyes upon direct contact.