What is "pentadecanoic acid"

n. (context organic chemistry English) The aliphatic carboxylic acid having fifteen carbon atoms

Pentadecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its molecular formula is CH(CH)COOH. It is rare in nature, being found at the level of 1.2% in the milk fat from cows. The butterfat in cows milk is its major dietary source and it is used as a marker for butterfat consumption. Pentadecanoic acid also occurs in hydrogenated mutton fat.

Pentadecanoic acid may increase mother-to-child transmission of HIV through breastfeeding.