| Formula / Notation | C8H16O2 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 124-07-2 |
| Molecular Weight | 144.21 |
| Melting Point | 61 to 62 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 463.5 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.91 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Octanoic acid appears as a colorless to light yellow liquid with a mild odor. Burns, but may be difficult to ignite. Corrosive to metals and tissue. |
| Also Known As | caprylic acid; 124-07-2; n-octanoic acid; n-caprylic acid; Octylic acid; octoic acid; n-octylic acid; 1-heptanecarboxylic acid; n-Octoic acid; Enantic acid |
| Category | Acids |
What is Octanoic acid?
Octanoic acid is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid that is heptane in which one of the hydrogens of a terminal methyl group has been replaced by a carboxy group. Octanoic acid is also known as caprylic acid. It has a role as an antibacterial agent, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of an octanoate.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: octanoic acid
Other Names / Synonyms: caprylic acid; 124-07-2; n-octanoic acid; n-caprylic acid; Octylic acid; octoic acid; n-octylic acid; 1-heptanecarboxylic acid; n-Octoic acid; Enantic acid
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 61 to 62 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 463.5 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.91 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Molecular Weight | 144.21 |
| Solubility | less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Octanoic acid appears as a colorless to light yellow liquid with a mild odor. Burns, but may be difficult to ignite. Corrosive to metals and tissue. |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Octanoic acid is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid that is heptane in which one of the hydrogens of a terminal methyl group has been replaced by a carboxy group. Octanoic acid is also known as caprylic acid. It has a role as an antibacterial agent, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of an octanoate.
Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.
Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Octanoic acid is: C8H16O2