1. Basic Product Profile

• Full IUPAC Name: Octanoic acid
• Aliases: Caprylic acid, n-Octanoic acid, Octylic acid
• CAS Number: 124-07-2
• EINECS: 204-677-5
• Molecular Formula: C8H16O2
• Molecular Weight: 144.21
• Chemical Classification: Medium-chain saturated fatty acid, flavor raw material, cosmetic emulsifier intermediate, feed additive, pharmaceutical excipient
• Core Advantages
  Straight-chain saturated C8 medium-chain fatty acid with mild fatty odor, excellent surface activity and antibacterial properties. Easy to form esters, salts and glycerides; widely used in food flavor, cosmetic emulsifier synthesis, animal feed, pharmaceutical solvent and disinfectant raw materials. Low freezing point, good oil solubility, stable under normal storage conditions.

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

2.1 Physical Index

1. Appearance: Colorless transparent oily liquid, solidifies into white crystal below freezing point
2. Odor: Weak characteristic fatty, slightly coconut-like aroma
3. Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with ethanol, methanol, acetone, vegetable oils, mineral oil
4. Boiling Point: 237 °C
5. Melting Point: 16–17 °C
6. Density (20℃): 0.908–0.912 g/cm3
7. Refractive Index nD20: 1.426–1.429
8. pH (saturated aqueous solution): 3.8–4.5 (weak acidity)
9. Hygroscopy: Non-hygroscopic

2.2 Chemical Properties

1. Molecular structure: Linear alkyl chain with one terminal carboxyl group, saturated carbon chain without double bonds
2. Esterification reaction: Reacts with alcohols, glycerol to produce caprylic acid esters, widely used emulsifiers and fragrances
3. Salt formation: Neutralizes with alkali to generate octanoate salts (zinc octanoate, sodium octanoate) with antibacterial activity
4. Thermal Stability: Stable below 200℃; high temperature will cause decarboxylation decomposition
5. Acid & Alkali Stability: Stable in weak acid/neutral system; rapid neutralization reaction with strong alkali
6. Photostability: Slightly yellow under long-term light exposure
7. Compatibility: Compatible with most oils, organic solvents; incompatible with strong oxidants, strong alkaline substances

3. Main Application Fields

3.1 Flavor & Fragrance Industry (Core Usage)

1. Raw material for coconut, cream, fruit food flavor; modifier for dairy and baked food aroma
2. Synthetic precursor of caprylate perfume esters with fruity, creamy notes

3.2 Cosmetic & Personal Care Raw Material

1. Medium-chain fatty acid raw material for nonionic emulsifiers, mild skin care cream base
2. Antibacterial auxiliary for anti-acne and body care formulations, inhibits skin harmful bacteria

3.3 Feed & Nutrition Additive

3.4 Pharmaceutical & Industrial Applications

1. Solubilizer and solvent for oral and external pharmaceutical preparations; raw material for medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil
2. Metal surface lubricant, paint drier raw material (metal octanoate catalyst)

4. Quality Specification Table