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Sodium pentanoate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C5H9NaO2
CAS number
10010-56-3
IUPAC name
sodium;pentanoate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium pentanoate is in a solid state.

Melting point (Celsius)
285.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
558.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
252.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
525.15
General information
Molecular weight
116.12g/mol
Molar mass
116.1150g/mol
Density
1.0709g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium pentanoate typically appears as a white crystalline powder. It is hygroscopic and may absorb moisture from the air, which may cause it to clump together if not stored properly.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Pentanoate

Sodium pentanoate, with the chemical formula C5H9NaO2, is a sodium salt derived from pentanoic acid. This compound exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are crucial for its applications in various chemical contexts.

Solubility Characteristics

Sodium pentanoate is generally:

  • Soluble in water: The ionic nature of the sodium salt allows it to dissolve readily in aqueous solutions. This is due to the interaction between the sodium ions and water molecules.
  • Soluble in polar organic solvents: It can also dissolve in polar organic solvents, which enhances its utility in certain chemical reactions.
  • Insoluble in non-polar solvents: Sodium pentanoate does not dissolve well in non-polar solvents owing to its polar structure, limiting its use in those media.

In summary, the solubility of sodium pentanoate can be attributed to:

  1. The presence of the sodium ion, which promotes ionic interactions.
  2. The polar carboxylate functional group, allowing hydrogen bonding with water.

Thus, when using sodium pentanoate, it is essential to consider these solubility traits, as they dictate the conditions under which the compound can be effectively utilized.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium Pentanoate

Sodium pentanoate is an intriguing compound that blends the properties of sodium and pentanoic acid. As a sodium salt of pentanoic acid, commonly known as valeric acid, it has a variety of applications in both scientific and industrial fields.

Key Characteristics

  • Biological Relevance: Sodium pentanoate can be utilized as a food preservative, helping to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in various food products.
  • Flavoring Agent: It is also significant in the food industry as a flavoring agent, contributing to the characteristic taste of some food items.
  • Cosmetic Uses: In the cosmetic realm, sodium pentanoate may be employed for its emulsifying properties, ideal for formulating creams and lotions.

Chemical Behavior

This compound is recognized for its ability to participate in various chemical reactions, acting as a source of the pentanoate ion in organic reactions. The presence of the sodium ion can enhance its stability in certain applications. Additionally, sodium pentanoate demonstrates interesting behavior in terms of:

  • Thermal Stability: It maintains stability over a range of temperatures, making it reliable for various formulations.
  • Ionization: In solution, sodium pentanoate dissociates into sodium ions and pentanoate ions, providing a pH-stabilizing effect in certain biological systems.

Applications in Research

In the context of research, sodium pentanoate can serve as a model compound for studying carboxylate salts' behavior. It provides researchers with insights into:

  • Biochemical pathways: How the pentanoate ion participates in metabolic processes.
  • Reaction kinetics: Gaining a deeper understanding of reaction mechanisms involving carboxylate salts.

As a compound with both biological and industrial significance, sodium pentanoate showcases the intersection of chemistry with practical applications. Its diverse uses highlight the importance of understanding chemical compounds beyond their basic properties.