Octanoic acid

Octanoic acid, also known as caprylic acid, is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) with eight carbon atoms. It has the structural formula H₃C−(CH₂)₆−COOH and appears as a colorless oily liquid with a slightly unpleasant rancid-like smell and taste. It is minimally soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, methanol, ether, and chloroform. The compound is found naturally in the milk of various mammals and as a minor constituent of coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It has antimicrobial properties that make it valuable as a sanitizer and disinfectant in various settings.

Other names

Caprylic acidn-octanoic acidoctoic acidoctic acidoctylic acidn-caprylic acid