(S)-4-methyl nonanoic acid

(S)-4-methyl nonanoic acid is a chiral carboxylic acid characterized by the molecular formula C₁₀H₂₀O₂. It appears as a compound with a notable mutton-like odor, which has been described at 1.00% concentration in propylene glycol as resembling goat or mutton aroma. Among its key synonyms are (4S)-4-methyl pelargonic acid and (4S)-4-methylnonanoic acid, reflecting the stereochemical configuration of the molecule. This carboxylic acid is classified as a fatty acid derivative and, despite its defined odor, it is primarily of interest for informational or research purposes rather than commercial applications. More detailed chemical and safety data are accessible through the PubChem database, where this compound is indexed under CID 6997342. The compound is typically synthesized or sourced via stereoselective chemical methods to ensure the (S)-configuration, rather than being isolated directly from natural sources.

(S)-4-methyl nonanoic acid does not commonly occur naturally in significant quantities but shares structural similarities with fatty acids found in biological lipids. Its distinct mutton or goat-like odor reflects its sensory relevance as an odorant. The compound is not applied within fragrance or flavor industries, as confirmed by its classification in the FEMA (US) context, which lists it solely for informational purposes without recommended usage levels for fragrance or flavor. Potential applications may be limited to chemical research and characterization of chiral carboxylic acids or as a reference standard in odor-related studies.

This compound exhibits physical properties typical of medium-chain carboxylic acids with a methyl substitution at the fourth carbon in the (S)-configuration. It has a molecular weight of approximately 172.27 g/mol and an estimated logP value around 3.6 to 3.8, indicating moderate hydrophobicity. Its water solubility is low, estimated at about 64 mg/L at 25 °C, consistent with fatty acid characteristics. The flash point is relatively high, approximately 288 °F (approximately 142 °C), suggesting modest volatility. These properties influence its limited miscibility in aqueous formulations and contribute to its sensory detectability as a mutton odor compound. The stereochemistry of the acid may impact its interaction with receptors or enzymes in biological studies.

Leffingwell:	Chirality or Article
	(4S)-4-methylnonanoic acid
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Pubchem (cid):	6997342
Pubchem (sid):	43599201

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
information only not used for fragrances or flavors
Recommendation for (S)-4-methyl nonanoic acid usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Recommendation for (S)-4-methyl nonanoic acid flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :6997342

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

(4S)-4-methylnonanoic acid