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Caproic Acid is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid also known as hexanoic acid and is naturally present in some animal fats, dairy products, and plant oils.
Caproic Acid is widely used as a chemical intermediate, flavor and fragrance component, and raw material for ester production in food, feed, and industrial applications.
Caproic Acid is valued for its characteristic odor profile, reactivity for making specialty esters, and utility in synthesis routes that require a C6 carboxylic acid building block.
CAS Number: 142-62-1
EC Number: 205-550-7
Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol
Synonyms: Caproic Acid, Hexanoic Acid, n-Hexanoic Acid, Hexylic Acid, Caprylic Acid C6 (common mislabel), Hexanoic Acid Natural, Hexanoic Acid Technical, Caproic Acid Food Grade, Caproic Acid Industrial Grade, Hexanoic Acid Reagent, C6 Fatty Acid, Hexanoic Acid Flavor Ingredient, Caproic Acid, Hexanoic Acid, n-Hexanoic Acid, n-Caproic Acid, n-Hexoic Acid, n-Hexylic Acid, Hexylic Acid, C6 Fatty Acid, C6 Carboxylic Acid, C6 Straight-Chain Fatty Acid, Medium-Chain Fatty Acid C6, MCFAs C6, Short-Medium Chain Fatty Acid C6, Saturated Fatty Acid C6, Aliphatic Carboxylic Acid C6, Aliphatic Fatty Acid C6, Natural Caproic Acid, Synthetic Caproic Acid, Food Grade Caproic Acid, Industrial Grade Caproic Acid, Pharmaceutical Grade Caproic Acid, Cosmetic Grade Caproic Acid, Flavor Grade Caproic Acid, Odorant Grade Caproic Acid, Perfume Grade Caproic Acid, Aroma Chemical Caproic Acid, Flavor Intermediate C6, Fragrance Intermediate C6, Oil-Soluble Fatty Acid C6, Lipophilic Fatty Acid C6, Organic Caproic Acid, Organic Hexanoic Acid, Carboxylic Acid C6, Chain-Length C6 Acid, Straight-Chain Caproic Acid, Saturated Caproic Acid, Primary Fatty Acid C6, Linear Fatty Acid C6, Fermentation-Derived Caproic Acid, Animal-Derived Caproic Acid, Dairy Aroma Acid C6, Goat Aroma Acid C6, Cheesy Odor Acid C6, Rancid Odor Fatty Acid C6, Flavoring Agent Caproic Acid, Aroma Agent Caproic Acid, Food Additive Caproic Acid (context), Fragrance Raw Material Caproic Acid, Chemical Intermediate Caproic Acid, Industrial Intermediate Hexanoic Acid, Surfactant Intermediate Hexanoic Acid, Plasticizer Intermediate C6, Lubricant Intermediate C6, Esterification Intermediate C6, Hexanoate Precursor, Caproate Precursor, Hexanoic Acid Feedstock, Caproic Acid Feedstock, Hexanoic Acid Raw Material, Caproic Acid Raw Material, Hexanoic Acid Technical Material, Caproic Acid Technical Material, Hexanoate Ester Precursor, Caproate Ester Precursor, C6 Ester Precursor, Agriculture Grade Caproic Acid, Cosmetic Ingredient Hexanoic Acid, Personal Care Ingredient C6 Acid, Chemical Building Block C6, Organic Synthesis Acid C6
APPLICATIONS
Caproic Acid is used in flavor formulations to provide fatty, cheesy, and dairy-like notes at low use levels.
Caproic Acid is used in beverage and confectionery flavor systems where sharp, creamy notes enhance sensory profiles.
Caproic Acid is incorporated into savory flavors to support fermented and aged flavor character.
Caproic Acid is used in fragrance compositions to add pungent, animalic, and fatty nuances in specialty accords.
Caproic Acid is used as a building block for fragrance esters that deliver fruity and creamy top notes.
Caproic Acid is applied in perfumery intermediates where C6 acid chemistry supports ester diversification.
Caproic Acid is used to produce hexanoate esters such as ethyl hexanoate for fruity flavor and fragrance applications.
Caproic Acid is used to manufacture hexyl hexanoate and other specialty esters used in aroma chemicals.
Caproic Acid is incorporated into esterification processes where controlled acidity and conversion are required.
Caproic Acid is used as an intermediate in the production of lubricants and plasticizers based on fatty acid esters.
Caproic Acid is applied in specialty solvent systems where ester derivatives provide desired solvency and volatility.
Caproic Acid is used in chemical manufacturing routes to produce functional C6 derivatives.
Caproic Acid is used in feed and animal nutrition as a component in acid blends designed to support hygiene in feed systems.
Caproic Acid is applied in silage additive concepts to help manage fermentation and microbial stability.
Caproic Acid is used in livestock production systems where organic acids are selected for process and preservation roles.
Caproic Acid is used in food processing as a precursor for food-grade esters used as flavoring substances.
Caproic Acid is used in dairy flavor reconstructions where authentic fatty acid profiles are required.
Caproic Acid is incorporated into processed food flavor systems to support butter and cheese character.
Caproic Acid is used in industrial antimicrobial and preservation strategies primarily through its salts and ester derivatives.
Caproic Acid is applied in surface treatment and cleaning chemistries where organic acids support performance.
Caproic Acid is used in specialty cleaning formulations as an acidic component in compatible systems.
Caproic Acid is used in corrosion inhibition concepts as a precursor to metal carboxylates for specialized applications.
Caproic Acid is applied in metalworking and process fluids where carboxylic acid derivatives improve lubricity behavior.
Caproic Acid is used in additive manufacturing routes where tailored carboxylates are required.
Caproic Acid is used in laboratory and research settings as a reagent in organic synthesis and analytical standards.
Caproic Acid is used in chromatography and method development where volatile fatty acids are measured and controlled.
Caproic Acid is incorporated into calibration mixtures for analytical testing of organic acid profiles.
Caproic Acid is used in polymer chemistry as a chain modifier or intermediate in certain synthesis routes.
Caproic Acid is applied in resin and coating intermediates where carboxylic functionality is needed.
Caproic Acid is used in plastic additive production where controlled fatty acid structure supports performance.
Caproic Acid is used in textile and leather processing where organic acid chemistry supports certain finishing steps.
Caproic Acid is applied in specialized formulations where pH control and fatty acid derivatives are important.
Caproic Acid is used in industrial processing where short-chain to medium-chain fatty acids provide functional benefits.
Caproic Acid is used in agrochemical formulation as a precursor for ester-based active ingredient derivatives.
Caproic Acid is incorporated into adjuvant and solvent systems where ester chemistry improves delivery.
Caproic Acid is used where tailored volatility and solvency properties are required from C6 derivatives.
Caproic Acid is used in the manufacture of surfactants through conversion to soaps and specialty carboxylate salts.
Caproic Acid is used to produce emulsifiers and wetting agents via esterification and neutralization routes.
Caproic Acid is incorporated into formulations where carboxylate chemistry supports dispersibility.
Caproic Acid is used in industrial odorant and reference standards because it has a strong, characteristic smell.
Caproic Acid is applied in sensory research and training materials for dairy and fermentation notes.
Caproic Acid is valued in manufacturing because it is a versatile intermediate for many downstream products.
Caproic Acid is used as a flavoring ingredient in the food industry.
Caproic Acid provides buttery, cheesy, and creamy flavor notes in food formulations.
Caproic Acid enhances sensory profiles in dairy-flavored snacks and seasonings.
Caproic Acid is used in cheese flavor production.
Caproic Acid contributes characteristic aroma compounds in processed cheese flavors.
Caproic Acid supports flavor development in fermented dairy analogues.
Caproic Acid is used as a fragrance compound in perfumery.
Caproic Acid provides fatty, waxy, and animalic base notes in fragrance creation.
Caproic Acid modifies aroma complexity in luxury parfum compositions.
Caproic Acid is used in soap manufacturing.
Caproic Acid improves soap solubility and foaming properties.
Caproic Acid modifies hardness and cleansing power in bar soaps.
Caproic Acid is used in surfactant synthesis.
Caproic Acid helps produce caproate esters for mild surfactant applications.
Caproic Acid contributes to alkyl ester surfactants in personal care formulations.
Caproic Acid is used in lubricant ester production.
Caproic Acid synthesizes medium-chain ester lubricants for industrial systems.
Caproic Acid improves cold-flow properties in synthetic lubricant blends.
Caproic Acid is used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Caproic Acid supports synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates.
Caproic Acid enables ester-based drug delivery vehicle development.
Caproic Acid is used in animal feed flavoring.
Caproic Acid enhances palatability in livestock feed formulations.
Caproic Acid supports feed intake in specialized animal diets.
Caproic Acid is used in silage additive formulations.
Caproic Acid contributes to fermentation control in agricultural silage.
Caproic Acid inhibits spoilage organisms in stored forage systems.
Caproic Acid is used in organic synthesis as a building block.
Caproic Acid participates in esterification, amidation, and acylation reactions.
Caproic Acid enables synthesis of specialty chemicals and fine chemical intermediates.
Caproic Acid is used in plasticizer production.
Caproic Acid forms esters that enhance polymer flexibility and softening properties.
Caproic Acid is incorporated into PVC plasticizer systems.
Caproic Acid is used in biodegradable ester formation.
Caproic Acid supports environmentally friendly polymer additives.
Caproic Acid enables synthesis of hydrolysable materials for niche applications.
Caproic Acid is used in antimicrobial studies.
Caproic Acid demonstrates inhibitory effects on certain microbial growth pathways.
Caproic Acid is incorporated in research on fatty acid-based microbial control.
Caproic Acid is used in flavor precursor chemistry.
Caproic Acid provides chain-length structural motifs for aroma molecule synthesis.
Caproic Acid supports natural-identical flavor compound production.
Caproic Acid is used in ketone body and metabolic research.
Caproic Acid serves as a medium-chain fatty acid model in metabolic assays.
Caproic Acid is used to evaluate mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation pathways.
DESCRIPTION
Caproic Acid is typically a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, pungent, rancid, and goat-like odor.
Caproic Acid is a six-carbon monocarboxylic acid that belongs to the family of saturated fatty acids.
Caproic Acid has limited water solubility and is more soluble in alcohols and many organic solvents.
Caproic Acid is volatile enough to contribute strongly to odor even at low concentrations.
Caproic Acid can form salts with bases and can form esters with alcohols, which are key routes for its industrial use.
Caproic Acid is reactive with oxidizers and should be handled with appropriate precautions due to acidity and odor impact.
Caproic Acid is commonly produced via chemical synthesis or recovered from natural sources depending on specification.
Caproic Acid quality is typically controlled by purity, color, water content, and acid value.
Caproic Acid should be stored properly to maintain quality and to prevent odor contamination in storage areas.
Caproic Acid is a six-carbon saturated fatty acid also known as hexanoic acid.
Caproic Acid occurs naturally in dairy fats, goat milk, and certain vegetable oils.
Caproic Acid appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong pungent odor.
Caproic Acid is moderately soluble in water and readily soluble in organic solvents.
Caproic Acid belongs to the medium-chain fatty acid category.
Caproic Acid possesses a characteristic fatty, cheesy, and animalic aroma profile.
Caproic Acid undergoes typical fatty acid reactions such as esterification and amidation.
Caproic Acid forms volatile esters widely used in flavor and fragrance chemistry.
Caproic Acid can be derived from natural feedstocks or manufactured synthetically.
Caproic Acid is used in food, fragrance, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.
Caproic Acid is regulated for purity and dosage when used in ingestible applications.
Caproic Acid should be handled in well-ventilated environments due to odor strength.
Caproic Acid requires storage in tightly sealed containers to prevent oxidation and contamination.
Caproic Acid is valued for its versatility in both industrial chemistry and sensory applications.
Caproic Acid remains a significant building block in medium-chain fatty acid chemistry.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C6H12O2
Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol
Common Name: Caproic Acid (Hexanoic Acid)
Chemical Nature: Saturated monocarboxylic acid (C6 fatty acid)
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, pungent, rancid, goat-like odor
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohols and many organic solvents
Melting Point: ~ -3°C
Boiling Point: ~205°C
Density: ~0.92 g/cm³ (typical)
Flash Point: ~110°C (typical; closed cup, grade dependent)
pKa: ~4.8 (typical)
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; avoid strong oxidizers and excessive heat
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed, well ventilated, away from ignition sources
Shelf Life: Typically 24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately if vapors are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing, headache, or respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid further exposure and keep the person at rest.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of water.
Wash with soap and water after thorough rinsing.
Seek medical advice if irritation, redness, or burning sensation persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention if pain, redness, or visual disturbance occurs.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Give small amounts of water if the person is conscious and not convulsing.
Seek medical attention, especially if a significant amount is swallowed.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Consider the irritating and corrosive potential of concentrated acid exposure.
Monitor for respiratory and gastrointestinal irritation depending on exposure route.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including acid-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing.
Avoid breathing vapors and avoid skin and eye contact.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling Caproic Acid.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation in areas where vapors may be generated.
Provide adequate ventilation during transfer, blending, and heating operations.
Use closed systems when feasible to reduce odor and exposure.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and strong oxidizers.
Prevent odor contamination by segregating from odor-sensitive materials.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Ventilate the area and wear appropriate PPE during cleanup.
Contain the spill with inert absorbent and collect into suitable containers.
Neutralize residues carefully if permitted by site procedures and dispose according to local regulations.
Handling Precautions:
Add Caproic Acid to water slowly if dilution is required, controlling heat and splashing.
Use odor control measures because vapors can spread and contaminate nearby materials.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and performance.
