(R)-4-methyl nonanoic acid

(R)-4-Methyl nonanoic acid is a chiral carboxylic acid characterized by the presence of a methyl substituent at the fourth carbon position with R-configuration. Its molecular formula is C₁₀H₂₀O₂, and it typically appears as a colorless liquid. Organoleptically, it exhibits a weak sweaty odor when diluted in propylene glycol at 1.00%, distinguishing it among fatty acid derivatives. Also referred to as (4R)-4-methyl pelargonic acid and several closely related synonyms, it is structurally related to nonanoic acid with a specific stereochemical configuration. This compound is not commonly used in fragrances or flavors and is primarily of interest in chemical research contexts. More information and chemical data can be found under its [PubChem](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6997340) entry. This acid is generally synthesized or isolated in the context of specialized chemical studies rather than from natural sources.

(R)-4-Methyl nonanoic acid does not have a notable natural biological occurrence documented in major metabolic databases. Its applications are primarily informational; it is not employed in commercial fragrance or flavour formulations. This restricted use is reflected in safety recommendations and lack of broad regulatory acceptance for such applications. The compound is primarily utilized in chemical research or as a reference material. Regulatory frameworks such as REACH (EU) govern its handling, though specific restrictions or authorizations for use in consumer products are not established given its limited practical applications. Given its physicochemical profile, it could be considered in chemical synthesis or analytical studies rather than in industrial production or consumer goods.

(R)-4-Methyl nonanoic acid has a molecular weight of approximately 172.27 g/mol and a molecular formula of C₁₀H₂₀O₂. It demonstrates moderate hydrophobicity, with an estimated logP value near 3.6 to 3.78, indicating higher solubility in organic phases compared to water. The compound's solubility in water is low, around 64 mg/L at 25 °C, showing limited aqueous dissolution. Its flash point is measured at approximately 288 °F, equivalent to 142 °C, indicating moderate resistance to ignition under standard testing conditions. These properties influence its handling, storage, and potential compatibility with solvents or other chemicals in synthesis or formulation contexts. The stereochemistry at the 4th carbon provides specific optical activity, which may affect its reactivity and interaction in chiral environments.

Leffingwell:	Chirality or Article
	(4R)-4-methylnonanoic acid
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Pubchem (cid):	6997340
Pubchem (sid):	43599199

(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 (R)-4-methyl nonanoic acid usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Recommendation for (R)-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 :6997340

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

(4R)-4-methylnonanoic acid