Nonanoic acid, also called
pelargonic acid, is an
organic compound composed of a nine-carbon chain terminating in a
carboxylic acid with
structural formula CH
3(CH
2)
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, a non-selective herbicide, for a quick burn-down effect in the control of weeds in turfgrass.