isovaleric acid

noun

iso·​va·​ler·​ic acid ˌī-sō-və-ˌlir-ik- How to pronounce isovaleric acid (audio) -ˌler- How to pronounce isovaleric acid (audio)
: a liquid acid C5H10O2 that has a disagreeable odor, that occurs especially in valerian root in the free state and in some essential oils and marine-animal oils in the form of esters, and that is used chiefly in making esters for use in flavoring materials

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Cite this Entry

“Isovaleric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/isovaleric%20acid. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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