C

Capric acid

IUPAC: decanoic acid

C10H20O2 Acids CAS 334-48-5
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC10H20O2
CAS Number334-48-5
Molecular Weight172.26
Melting Point88.7 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point514 to 518 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.893 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceDecanoic acid is a white crystalline solid with a rancid odor. Melting point 31.5 °C. Soluble in most organic solvents and in dilute nitric acid; non-toxic. Used to make esters for perfumes and fr...
Also Known Asdecanoic acid; Decanoic acid; 334-48-5; n-Decanoic acid; n-Capric acid; Decoic acid; Decylic acid; Caprinic acid; n-Decylic acid; 1-Nonanecarboxylic acid
CategoryAcids

What is Capric acid?

Decanoic acid is a C10, straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It has a role as a volatile oil component, an antibacterial agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a plant metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a decanoate. It derives from a hydride of a decane.

Formula & Notation

C10H20O2

IUPAC Name: decanoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: decanoic acid; Decanoic acid; 334-48-5; n-Decanoic acid; n-Capric acid; Decoic acid; Decylic acid; Caprinic acid; n-Decylic acid; 1-Nonanecarboxylic acid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Decanoic acid is a white crystalline solid with a rancid odor. Melting point 31.5 °C. Soluble in most organic solvents and in dilute nitric acid; non-toxic. Used to make esters for perfumes and fr.... Molecular formula: C10H20O2. Molecular weight: 172.26 g/mol. Boiling point: 514 to 518 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 88.7 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.893 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 257 °F ; 5 mmHg at 287.6 °F; 760 mmHg at 515.1 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 4.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point88.7 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point514 to 518 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.893 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight172.26
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceDecanoic acid is a white crystalline solid with a rancid odor. Melting point 31.5 °C. Soluble in most organic solvents and in dilute nitric acid; non-toxic. Used to make esters for perfumes and fr...

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Capric acid
Formula C10H20O2
CAS Number 334-48-5
Molecular Weight 172.26
Category Acids
Synonyms decanoic acid; Decanoic acid; 334-48-5; n-Decanoic acid; n-Capric acid; Decoic acid; Decylic acid; Caprinic acid; n-Decylic acid; 1-Nonanecarboxylic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Decanoic acid is a C10, straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It has a role as a volatile oil component, an antibacterial agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a plant metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a decanoate. It derives from a hydride of a decane.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.