What is "neodecanoic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) Any of five isomeric aliphatic carboxylic acids having ten carbon atoms and a branched structure formally derived from acetic acid by replacing each hydrogen atom of the methyl group by an alkyl group

thumb|400px|Neodecanoic acid Neodecanoic acid is a mixture of carboxylic acids with the common structural formula CHO, a molecular weight of 172.26 g/mol, and the CAS number 26896-20-8. Components of the mixture are acids with the common property of a "trialkyl acetic acid" having three alkyl groups at carbon two, including:

• 2,2,3,5-Tetramethylhexanoic acid
• 2,4-Dimethyl-2-isopropylpentanoic acid
• 2,5-Dimethyl-2-ethylhexanoic acid
• 2,2-Dimethyloctanoic acid
• 2,2-Diethylhexanoic acid

Neodecanoic acid is used primarily as an intermediate to make other chemical products. For example, metal salts of neodecanoic acid can be used in a variety of applications such as paint driers, polyvinylchloride stabilizers, or polymerization initiators. Ester derivatives of neodecanoic acid are used in surface coatings and cement additives. In its neutralized form, neodecanoic acid is used in metalworking fluids.

Neodecanoic acid is a liquid with a relatively low vapor pressure; however elevated temperatures and mechanical action may form vapors, mist, or fumes. Material should be handled only with adequate ventilation and in areas where ignition sources have been removed (e.g. open flames, static electricity sources, unprotected light switches). The flash point for neodecanoic acid is approximately 252 °F /122 °C.