Nonanoic acid is an organic compound composed of a nine-carbon chain terminating in a carboxylic acid with structural formula CH3(CH2)7COOH. Nonanoic acid forms esters—nonanoates. It is a clear, oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. It is nearly insoluble in water, but very soluble in chloroform, ether, and hexane. It is commonly used in conjunction with Glyphosate (Round-Up), a non-selective herbicide, for a quick burn-down effect in the control of weeds in turfgrass. Nonanoic acid is a fatty acid which occurs naturally as esters in the oil of pelargonium. Synthetic esters, such as methyl nonanoate, are used as flavorings. Nonanoic acid is also used in the preparation of plasticizers and lacquers. The derivative 4-nonanoylmorpholine is an ingredient in some pepper sprays. The ammonium salt of nonanoic acid, ammonium nonanoate, is used in formulations of glyphosate, a herbicide.
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