CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC ACID

Caprylic/Capric Acid is a versatile medium-chain fatty acid blend derived from vegetable oil sources, widely used across food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.
Caprylic/Capric Acid combines the complementary functional properties of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), offering antimicrobial activity, emollient performance, and excellent solubility characteristics.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is obtained through the fractionation of lauric-type oils such as coconut oil or palm kernel oil, resulting in a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a slightly characteristic odor.

CAS Number: 68937-75-7
EC Number: 273-086-2
Molecular Formula: C8H16O2 / C10H20O2 (blend; average representative formula C9H18O2)
Molecular Weight: 144.21 g/mol (C8) / 172.26 g/mol (C10); average approximately 158.24 g/mol
EINECS Number: 273-086-2
REACH Registration: 01-2119555294-XXXX

Synonyms: Caprylic-Capric Acid, C8/C10 Fatty Acid Blend, Fatty Acids C8-10, Octanoic/Decanoic Acid Blend, C8-C10 Acid, Fatty Acid C8-C10, Fatty Acids-(C8-C10), Caprylic-Capric Acid Blend, Octocapric Acid, C-0810, Unifat 68, CYPAFRAK 0810, MCT Fatty Acid Blend

Caprylic/Capric Acid is a blend of two saturated medium-chain fatty acids: caprylic acid (octanoic acid, C8) with eight carbon atoms and capric acid (decanoic acid, C10) with ten carbon atoms.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is naturally found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy products, where both fatty acids occur together alongside other saturated fatty acids.

Caprylic/Capric Acid typically contains 48 to 63% caprylic acid (C8) and 37 to 52% capric acid (C10), with the relative proportion adjustable according to customer specifications.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is produced through hydrolysis of coconut oil or palm kernel oil followed by fractional distillation that isolates and combines the C8 and C10 fractions in the required technical proportion.

Caprylic/Capric Acid is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid at room temperature, with a melting point of approximately 5 to 7°C, a slightly rancid-fatty characteristic odor, and minimal water solubility.
Caprylic/Capric Acid exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal, and emulsifying properties that make it valuable across multiple industrial and consumer applications.

Caprylic/Capric Acid is a 100% vegetable-origin oleochemical product, offering advantages in biodegradability, a lower carbon footprint, and compliance with European regulations including REACH, BPR, and the Cosmetics Products Regulation.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is available in food-grade, technical-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade specifications complying with USP and Ph. Eur. standards.

Uses of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
Caprylic/Capric Acid is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), caprylic/capric triglycerides, glycerol esters, polyol esters, amines, esters, fatty alcohols, peroxides, metal soaps, and surfactants.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is used in food and flavor applications as a flavoring agent, acidulant in dairy products, baked goods, and flavor concentrates, where its medium-chain character contributes a mild, characteristic fatty note.

Caprylic/Capric Acid is used in personal care and cosmetics as an emollient, emulsifier base, and antimicrobial agent in skin creams, cleansers, lotions, and hair care products.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is used in pharmaceutical formulations as a component of lipid-based drug delivery systems and excipient blends where controlled solubilization of active ingredients is required.

Caprylic/Capric Acid is used in the production of esters for perfumery and fragrance applications, where the resulting esters serve as fixatives and carriers.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is used in metalworking and industrial lubricant formulations as a boundary lubricant and functional additive in cutting fluids and release agents.

Caprylic/Capric Acid is used in the production of alkyd resins as a drying modifier in industrial varnishes and paints, providing flexibility and weather resistance.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is used as a biocide and antimicrobial pesticide as a food contact surface sanitizer on dairy equipment, food processing equipment, breweries, wineries, and beverage processing plants.

Caprylic/Capric Acid is used as an algicide, bactericide, fungicide, and herbicide in nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and interiors.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is used as a solubilizer for mineral oils and a flotation aid in the oil and gas industry.

Caprylic/Capric Acid is used in the manufacture of corrosion and rust inhibitors in antifreeze formulations and as a lubricant in the manufacture of synthetic lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and refrigerant lubricants.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is used as a component in dietary supplements, particularly in ketogenic diet formulations and MCT supplementation products.

Benefits or Advantages of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
Caprylic/Capric Acid offers antimicrobial and antifungal activity, inhibiting virulence factors including morphogenesis, adhesion, and biofilm formation in pathogenic organisms such as Candida albicans.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is easily digestible and rapidly metabolized in the liver as a medium-chain fatty acid, making it a valuable energy source in dietary and clinical nutrition applications.

Caprylic/Capric Acid provides a 100% vegetable-origin alternative to petrochemical intermediates, with excellent biodegradability and a lower environmental footprint.
Caprylic/Capric Acid offers functional complementarity between C8 and C10 fractions, combining the antimicrobial potency of caprylic acid with the skin-conditioning and emulsifying properties of capric acid.

Caprylic/Capric Acid is compatible with a wide range of downstream processes, serving as a starting material for MCT production, esterification, amide synthesis, and surfactant manufacturing.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is available in multiple grades including food-grade, technical-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade, ensuring suitability across regulated and unregulated industries.

Features of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
Caprylic/Capric Acid is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid under ambient conditions, solidifying at approximately 5 to 7°C, with a slightly rancid and fatty characteristic odor and taste.
Caprylic/Capric Acid has a density of approximately 0.900 g/cm3, a refractive index of approximately 1.428, and is minimally soluble in water while soluble in ethanol, chloroform, ether, petroleum ether, and acetonitrile.

Caprylic/Capric Acid has an acid value of 355 to 365 mg KOH/g, a saponification value of 356 to 366 mg KOH/g, and an iodine value of approximately 0.5, confirming its highly saturated nature.
Caprylic/Capric Acid has a pKa of approximately 4.89 for C8 and 4.79 for C10, making it mildly acidic and suitable for pH-sensitive formulations.

Chemical Properties of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
Caprylic/Capric Acid consists of caprylic acid (C8H16O2, molecular weight 144.21 g/mol) and capric acid (C10H20O2, molecular weight 172.26 g/mol), both being linear saturated monocarboxylic acids belonging to the medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) family.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is characterized by its fully saturated carbon backbone, which provides high oxidative stability and resistance to rancidity compared with unsaturated fatty acids.

Caprylic/Capric Acid is chemically stable under normal conditions of use, handling, and storage.
Caprylic/Capric Acid may react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, or strong alkalis, and thermal decomposition or combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, and irritating organic fumes.

Production of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
Caprylic/Capric Acid is produced through fat splitting of coconut oil or palm kernel oil to yield fatty acids and glycerol, followed by fractional distillation to separate the mixture into individual fatty acid fractions.
Caprylic/Capric Acid production combines the C8 and C10 fractions in the desired technical proportion, typically 55 to 63% C8 and 37 to 45% C10, with the ratio adjustable to meet specific formulation requirements.

Caprylic/Capric Acid quality is controlled through verification of acid value, saponification value, iodine value, color, moisture content, and fatty acid composition by gas chromatography.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is available in organic-certified grades derived from 100% plant-based sources with full raw-material traceability.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of Caprylic/Capric Acid:

Handling of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
Caprylic/Capric Acid should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Caprylic/Capric Acid handling requires avoiding unnecessary contact with eyes and prolonged or repeated skin contact, and avoiding generation of oil mist or aerosol during heating or spraying operations.

SDS of Caprylic/Capric Acid:

Stability and Reactivity of Caprylic/Capric Acid:

Chemical stability:
Caprylic/Capric Acid is stable under normal conditions of use, handling, and storage.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal conditions of use.
Caprylic/Capric Acid may react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, or strong alkalis.

Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat.
Direct sunlight and prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.
Open flames and sparks.
Prolonged exposure to oxygen and air.
Moisture and contamination.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Strong acids.
Strong alkalis.
Materials capable of initiating oxidation.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Aldehydes and ketones.
Acrolein.
Irritating organic vapors and fumes.

Handling and Storage of Caprylic/Capric Acid:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid unnecessary contact with eyes and prolonged or repeated skin contact.
Avoid generating oil mist or aerosol during heating or spraying operations.
Use appropriate ventilation in areas where Caprylic/Capric Acid is processed at elevated temperatures.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed original containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Keep Caprylic/Capric Acid away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Protect from excessive temperatures, moisture, and contamination.
Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and incompatible chemicals.
Keep containers sealed when not in use to minimize oxidation and preserve product quality.
Available in 180 kg drums, 850 kg IBC containers, and bulk tanker quantities.

First Aid Measures of Caprylic/Capric Acid:

Inhalation:
Remove affected person to fresh air and keep them at rest.
If breathing becomes difficult, seek medical attention.
If symptoms such as coughing, respiratory irritation, dizziness, or breathing discomfort persist, seek medical attention immediately.

Skin contact:
Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water.
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is not expected to cause significant skin irritation under normal conditions; however, prolonged or repeated exposure may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye contact:
Immediately flush eyes with clean running water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Continue rinsing until irritation subsides.
Seek medical attention if redness, pain, blurred vision, or irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth thoroughly with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Caprylic/Capric Acid is generally considered to have low acute toxicity; however, ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting.
Seek medical advice if symptoms occur or if a significant amount has been swallowed.

Firefighting Measures of Caprylic/Capric Acid:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Dry chemical powder.
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Alcohol-resistant foam.
Water spray or fine water mist.

Unsuitable extinguishing media:
Do not use a direct high-pressure water jet, as it may spread burning material.

Specific hazards:
Caprylic/Capric Acid is combustible but not highly flammable.
Thermal decomposition or combustion of Caprylic/Capric Acid may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, acrolein, smoke, and irritating organic fumes.
During fire conditions, containers may rupture if exposed to excessive heat.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective firefighting clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Cool exposed containers with water spray to prevent overheating and pressure buildup.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains, waterways, or soil.

Accidental Release Measures of Caprylic/Capric Acid:

Personal precautions:
Wear suitable personal protective equipment including gloves and eye protection.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Spilled Caprylic/Capric Acid may create extremely slippery surfaces; use caution to prevent falls.
Ensure adequate ventilation when cleaning large spills.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent uncontrolled release of Caprylic/Capric Acid into drains, sewers, surface water, and soil.
Large spills should be contained immediately to minimize environmental contamination.

Methods for cleaning up:
Contain spilled Caprylic/Capric Acid using sand, earth, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, or other inert absorbent materials.
Collect absorbed material into properly labeled containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Wash the contaminated area with detergent and water after the bulk material has been removed.
Dispose of waste through an approved waste disposal facility.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Caprylic/Capric Acid:

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to maintain airborne concentrations at safe levels, particularly during heating, spraying, or mist-generating operations.
Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers should be available in areas where Caprylic/Capric Acid is handled.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical safety goggles whenever splashing is possible.

Hand protection:
Wear chemical-resistant protective gloves such as nitrile, neoprene, or PVC gloves during prolonged or repeated handling.

Skin and body protection:
Wear suitable protective clothing if repeated or prolonged exposure is expected.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Respiratory protection:
Respiratory protection is normally not required under ambient conditions.
If ventilation is inadequate or oil mist is generated during heating or spraying, use an approved particulate or organic vapor respirator.

Hygiene measures:
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using Caprylic/Capric Acid.
Wash hands, forearms, and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
Maintain good industrial hygiene practices and keep work areas clean.

Identifiers of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
CAS No.: 68937-75-7
EC No.: 273-086-2
EINECS: 273-086-2
REACH: 01-2119555294-XXXX
INCI Name: Caprylic/Capric Acid
Chemical type: Medium-chain saturated fatty acid blend (C8/C10)
Function: Emollient, emulsifier, antimicrobial agent, lubricant, chemical intermediate, flavoring agent, solubilizer

Properties of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
Physical state: Liquid at ambient temperature (solidifies at approximately 5 to 7°C)
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid
Odor: Slightly rancid, fatty characteristic odor
Density: Approximately 0.900 g/cm3
Melting point: 5 to 7°C
Boiling point: Approximately 239 to 270°C (C8 to C10 range)
Solubility in water: Minimal (approximately 0.068 to 0.15 g/100 mL)
Solubility in organic solvents: Soluble in ethanol, chloroform, ether, petroleum ether, acetonitrile
Refractive index: Approximately 1.428
pKa: Approximately 4.89 (C8); approximately 4.79 (C10)
Moisture content: Less than 0.2%
Color: Colorless to slightly yellowish
Non-flammable: Yes

Specifications of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
Chemical name: Caprylic/Capric Acid (C8/C10 Fatty Acid Blend)
Molecular formula: C8H16O2 / C10H20O2
CAS Number: 68937-75-7
Acid value (mg KOH/g): 355–365
Saponification value (mg KOH/g): 356–366
Iodine value (% I2 absorbed): ≤0.5
Color (Lovibond, R/Y): ≤1.0R / 5.0Y
C6 composition (%): ≤0.5
C8 composition (%): 55.0–63.0
C10 composition (%): 37.0–45.0
C12 and others (%): ≤1.0
Moisture content (%): <0.2
Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in tightly sealed containers, protected from sunlight and heat; shelf life 2 years
Available grades: Food-grade, technical-grade, pharmaceutical-grade (USP/Ph. Eur.)
Packaging: 180 kg drums, 850 kg IBC containers, bulk tanker

Names of Caprylic/Capric Acid:
Caprylic/Capric Acid
Caprylic-Capric Acid
C8/C10 Fatty Acid Blend
Fatty Acids C8-10
Octanoic/Decanoic Acid Blend
C8-C10 Acid
Fatty Acid C8-C10
Caprylic-Capric Acid Blend
Octocapric Acid
C-0810
Unifat 68
CYPAFRAK 0810
CAS 68937-75-7