| Customization: | Available |
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| CAS No.: | 73398-61-5 |
| Formula: | N/a |
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Caprylic acid, also known as octanoic acid, is an organic compound that is classified as a medium-chain fatty acid with the chemical formula C_8H_16O_2C8H16O2. It is a colorless liquid with a slight, unpleasant odor and is soluble in most organic solvents such as ethanol, but only slightly soluble in water . The molecule has a carboxylic acid group at one end and an eight-carbon chain at the other, which gives it its characteristic properties .
Caprylic acid is commonly found in various natural sources such as coconut oil, and it is used in the production of flavors, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals . It also serves as an important intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, lubricants, and plasticizers . In the food industry, caprylic acid is utilized as a flavor enhancer and is considered a food additive that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA .
In terms of its physical properties, caprylic acid has a melting point of around 16°C and boils at 237°C. Its density is approximately 0.91 g/mL at 25°C, and it has a refractive index of n_{20/D} 1.428n20/D1.428 . The compound is also characterized by its low solubility in water, with a value of 0.68 g/L at 20°C, and a vapor pressure of 1 mm Hg at 78°C .
For industrial applications, caprylic acid can be produced through various methods, including the oxidation of caprylic alcohol or the esterification of coconut oil-derived fatty acids . It is also used in the formulation of structured lipids, which are beneficial for health and nutrition .
In cosmetics and personal care products, caprylic acid and its derivatives, such as caprylic/capric triglyceride, are used due to their non-greasy texture and excellent skin absorption properties. They provide moisturization and can act as emollients, solvents, and carriers for other ingredients in formulations .
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