Sodium Pentanoate TCI O0705

Sodium Pentanoate, also known as sodium valerate (CAS 6106-41-8), is the sodium salt of pentanoic acid (valeric acid). Valeric acid is a short-chain fatty acid with five carbon atoms. TCI lists this compound as a non-heterocyclic building block. In the laboratory, sodium pentanoate is used as a source of carboxylate anions and as a reagent in organic synthesis. It also serves as a reference compound in biochemistry and microbiology research on how short-chain fatty acids work in metabolism and fermentation.

The sodium salt is more practical to work with than the free acid. Valeric acid is a liquid with a very strong, unpleasant odour. The sodium salt is generally a solid, so it is easier to weigh accurately and handle on the bench. It also dissolves well in water, which makes it simple to prepare aqueous stock solutions for culture media or experimental buffers. As a carboxylate salt, it can act as a nucleophile in alkylation reactions that form esters. It can also be used as a component in studies of short-chain surfactants.

In Indonesia, research on gut microbiota, food fermentation, animal feed and anaerobic waste treatment is growing steadily. Short-chain fatty acids such as valerate are important analytes and model compounds in all of these fields. University laboratories, government research institutes and industrial R&D groups may use sodium pentanoate as a reference standard, as a media supplement, or as a starting material in synthesis. A well-defined salt from a recognised brand like TCI gives these groups a consistent supply for their research.

• Organic synthesis reagent: as a carboxylate salt, sodium pentanoate provides a ready nucleophilic carboxylate anion for alkylation reactions that produce pentanoate esters and related derivatives.
• Short-chain fatty acid reference compound: researchers studying metabolism and fermentation can use it as a defined, easy-to-weigh source of valerate when comparing short-chain fatty acid profiles.
• Microbiology and culture media studies: because it dissolves well in water, it is convenient for making aqueous stock solutions that add valerate to culture media in microbial experiments.
• Gut microbiota and animal feed research: valerate is one of the short-chain fatty acids studied in intestinal and feed research, so this salt suits experiments that need a controlled valerate source.
• Short-chain surfactant studies: its five-carbon chain and ionic carboxylate head group make it useful as a component in studies of surfactant behaviour in short-chain systems.

Store sodium pentanoate in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Close the container immediately after each use to keep out humidity. Keep it away from strong acids, which can release free valeric acid with its strong odour. Wear standard personal protective equipment when handling it: a laboratory coat, safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves. Weigh and transfer the material in a well-ventilated area or fume hood, and do not breathe in the dust or let it touch your skin or eyes. Label all prepared aqueous stock solutions clearly with their concentration and preparation date. Always read the TCI Safety Data Sheet for specific hazard, storage and disposal guidance before use.

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