Nonanoate

Nonanoate is a term used in chemistry to denote salts or esters derived from nonanoic acid, also known as pelargonic acid. Nonanoic acid has nine carbon atoms and a carboxyl group, giving it the formula C9H18O2. The nonanoate ion has the formula C9H17O2−. Common examples of nonanoates include sodium nonanoate, potassium nonanoate and ammonium nonanoate (salts), as well as esters such as methyl nonanoate, ethyl nonanoate and propyl nonanoate.

In general, nonanoates consist of a hydrophobic nine-carbon tail attached to a polar carboxylate or ester group. Esters tend to have lower polarity and limited water solubility, with properties dependent on the alcohol moiety. Salts of nonanoic acid are typically more water-soluble and can function as surfactants or additives in detergents and cosmetics, while nonanoate esters are commonly used as solvents, plasticizers, and ingredients in flavor and fragrance applications.

Preparation of nonanoates occurs through standard esterification of nonanoic acid with alcohols to form esters, or through neutralization of nonanoic acid with bases to yield salts. They may also arise as byproducts in the processing of larger esters or related fatty acid derivatives.

Occurrence and uses: nonanoates occur in small amounts in natural products and are employed in various industrial applications. Methyl nonanoate and related esters are used as flavors and fragrance components, while alkyl nonanoates can serve as solvents or plasticizers. Sodium and potassium nonanoate find use in certain detergent and cosmetic formulations.

Safety: handling of nonanoates depends on the specific compound; esters are typically mildly flammable and may irritate eyes or skin, whereas salts generally pose lower acute toxicity but should be handled with standard chemical safety precautions.