Hexanoic acid

Hexanoic acid (also known as caproic acid) is a carboxylic acid that is composed of a six-carbon chain, with the chemical formula C6H12O2. It is a colorless oily liquid with an odor that is fatty, cheesy, waxy, and like that of goats or other barnyard animals. It is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in various animal fats and oils, and is one of the chemicals that gives the decomposing fleshy seed coat of the ginkgo its characteristic unpleasant odor. It is also one of the components of vanilla. The primary use of hexanoic acid is in the manufacture of its esters for artificial flavors, and in the manufacture of hexyl derivatives, such as hexylphenols.

Chemical Properties

Hexanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid that is hexane in which one of the terminal methyl groups has been mono-oxygenated to form the corresponding carboxylic acid. It has a role as a human metabolite and a plant metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a hexanoate.

Uses

Hexanoic acid is used in the creation of esters for artificial flavors. It is also used in the manufacture of hexyl derivatives, such as hexylphenols, which are used in manufacturing perfumes and other aromatic compounds. In addition, it is used in food preparation as a flavoring agent.

Health Effects

Hexanoic acid is not considered to be harmful if it is ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin. However, it can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system if it is inhaled or if it comes into contact with the eyes.

See Also

• Carboxylic acid
• Saturated fatty acid
• Medium-chain fatty acid

References

Hexanoic acid Resources
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