Valeric anhydride (CAS 2082-59-9)

Valeric anhydride, also known as pentanoic anhydride, is a chemical reagent significant in synthetic organic chemistry, specifically for introducing valeroyl (pentanoyl) groups into target compounds. As a versatile acylating agent, it is particularly useful in modifying alcohols, amines, and phenols via esterification or amidation. In ester synthesis, valeric anhydride facilitates the formation of pentanoate esters, which are valuable intermediates in synthesizing flavors, fragrances, and specialized chemicals. The reagent is also instrumental in studying esterification kinetics, helping to explain the reaction mechanisms and conditions needed for optimal yields. Research involving valeric anhydride extends to the field of polymer science, where it is used to functionalize polymers and modify surface characteristics. By incorporating pentanoyl groups into polymer backbones, scientists investigate how this modification impacts hydrophobicity, compatibility, and flexibility in the resulting materials. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of modified cellulose derivatives, yielding cellulose esters with distinctive properties useful in biodegradable films and coatings. Further studies leverage valeric anhydride′s ability to acylate nitrogen-containing compounds to understand structure-activity relationships and to produce N-acyl derivatives for further analysis. Its utility in organic synthesis and polymer science positions valeric anhydride as an important tool for advancing the understanding of functional group transformations and material modifications.