Valeric acid is a minor constituent of the perennial flowering plant valerian (Valeriana officinalis), from which it gets its name.

[7] In industry, valeric acid is produced by the oxo process from 1-butene and syngas, forming valeraldehyde, which is oxidised to the final product.

[13] The compound is used for the preparation of derivatives, notably its volatile esters which, unlike the parent acid, have pleasant odors and fruity flavors and hence find applications in perfumes, cosmetics and foodstuffs.

[16] In humans, valeric acid is a minor product[17] of the gut microbiome and can also be produced by metabolism of its esters found in food.

[18] The restoration of levels of this acid in the gut has been suggested as the mechanism that results in control of Clostridioides difficile infection after fecal microbiota transplant.