Valeric Acid
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Valeric acid is a compound found in valerian root and other plants, existing as a mixture of isomers including isovaleric acid. It has medical applications for hysteria and epilepsy and is used in preparing various pharmaceuticals and fruit essences.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
Valeric acid, valerianic acid, C4H9COOH, is found in the root of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and in other plants; it is obtained by steam distillation in the presence of phosphoric acid. Natural valeric acid is a mixture consisting of two isomers: isovaleric acid, (CH3)2CH.CH2.COOH, and optically active valeric acid, which rotates the plane of polarization to the right, (CH3)(C2H5)CH.COOH. Both acids are oily liquids with an unpleasant odor, boiling at about 173-175°, and mix in all proportions with alcohol, ether, and chloroform; 1 part of acid dissolves in 30 parts of water. Another source of valeric acid is fermentation amyl alcohol, which when oxidized with chromic acid gives the same isomeric valeric acids. In addition to these, normal valeric acid, CH3.CH2.CH2.CH2.COOH, and tertiary (CH3)3C.COOH (trimethylacetic) valeric acid are also known. The most important is isovaleric acid, used in medicine for hysteria and epilepsy, as well as for preparing hypnotic and analgesic preparations: validol (menthol ester of isovaleric acid), bromural (bromo-isovaleric acid), and many others. Esters of valeric acid are used in industry for preparing various fruit essences.
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“Valeric Acid.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/valeric-acid/