Pelargonic acid (nonanoic acid) is a monocarboxylic acid. The Matrilox® product, 100% bio-based, is available in different purity grades depending on the application.

Thanks to its favorable ecotoxicological profile, pelargonic acid is used in professional agrochemical formulations as a replacement for conventional synthetic products. Poorly soluble in water and rapidly biodegradable, pelargonic acid-based agrochemicals have a minimal environmental impact, do not interfere with biodiversity, leave no residual effects, and can be applied to soils even immediately before sowing or transplanting.

Pelargonic acid is also used in cleaning products as a precursor to peroxynonanoic acid. Peroxycarboxylic acids are well known for their antimicrobial activity (sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization) and as bleaching agents. This has enabled pelargonic acid to find applications in industrial cleaning, water treatment, and the control of microbial activity in public spaces.

In accordance with Reg. (EC) 1831/2003, pelargonic acid is recognized as a flavoring additive for animal feed and can also serve as an antibiotic alternative due to its antimicrobial properties.
Some pelargonic acid esters are further used as intermediates in the synthesis of biolubricants and cosmetic emollients.