gamma-Valerolactone

gamma-Valerolactone
IUPAC name 5-Methyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one
Other names 4-Pentanolide, 4-Valerolactone, 4-Pentalactone, 4-Hydroxypentanoic acid lactone
Identifiers
CAS number	108-29-2 Y
PubChem	7921
ChemSpider	7633 Y
UNII	O7056XK37X Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:48569 Y
ChEMBL	CHEMBL195593 Y
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES CC1CCC(=O)O1
InChI InChI=1S/C5H8O2/c1-4-2-3-5(6)7-4/h4H,2-3H2,1H3 Y Key: GAEKPEKOJKCEMS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C5H8O2/c1-4-2-3-5(6)7-4/h4H,2-3H2,1H3 Key: GAEKPEKOJKCEMS-UHFFFAOYAX
Properties
Molecular formula	C5H8O2
Molar mass	100.116
Appearance	colorless liquid
Density	1.0465 g/mL
Melting point	-31 °C, 242 K, -24 °F
Boiling point	207–208 °C
Solubility in water	>=100 mg/mL
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

gamma-Valerolactone is an organic compound with the formula C₅H₈O₂. This clear liquid is one of the more common lactones. It is a structural isomer of delta-valerolactone. Because of its herbal odor, it is used in the perfume and flavor industries.

Potential applications

gamma-Valerolactone is a promising "green" liquid fuel. Levulinic acid, a derivative of glucose and other sugars, can be cyclized and the product hydrogenated to give gamma-valerolactone, and the product has potential applications as a liquid fuel.

See also

• delta-Valerolactone
• Valeric acid