Chemical Properties
Colorless liquid. The boiling point is 177°C, 84°C (2.8kPa), the relative density (20/17°C) is 0.938, and the refractive index (nD20) is 1.4055. Soluble in water, ethanol, ether.
Uses
Methylbutyric acid can be used as an organic synthesis intermediate.
Definition
ChEBI: 2-methylbutyric acid is a methylbutyric acid comprising a butyric acid core carrying a 2-methyl substituent. Produced from amino acid leucine during nutrient starvation in bacteria. It has a role as a bacterial metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a 2-methylbutyrate.
Synthesis
2-Chlorobutane is made into Grignard reagent, which is then reacted with carbon dioxide, and the reaction mixture is hydrolyzed with 25% sulfuric acid to generate Methylbutyric acid. Yield 76-86%.
