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Capric acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C10H20O2
CAS number
334-48-5
IUPAC name
decanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, decanoic acid is typically in a solid crystalline form, but it may appear as an oily liquid depending on the specific environmental conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
31.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
304.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
268.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
541.15
General information
Molecular weight
172.27g/mol
Molar mass
172.2650g/mol
Density
0.8937g/cm3
Appearence

Decanoic acid, also known as capric acid, is a colorless to white solid that usually appears as crystalline flakes. It may also appear as a colorless to light yellowish liquid at slightly elevated temperatures. The compound has a musty, unpleasant odor, often described as reminiscent of rancid oils.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Decanoic Acid (C10H20O2)

Decanoic acid, also known as capric acid, showcases unique solubility characteristics that make it a subject of interest in various chemical contexts. Its solubility can be summarized as follows:

  • Solubility in Water: Decanoic acid is poorly soluble in water. Due to its long hydrocarbon chain, it has limited interactions with water molecules, resulting in a low solubility of approximately 0.5 g/100 mL at 25°C.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: This compound exhibits a much higher solubility in organic solvents. It is considered to be soluble in alcohols, oils, and non-polar solvents like hexane. This behavior is typical for fatty acids, which favor non-polar environments.
  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility of decanoic acid can increase with temperature. As the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases, allowing for better dissolution in organic solvents.

Understanding the solubility of decanoic acid is critical for its applications in food science, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Its amphiphilic nature allows it to interact with both polar and non-polar substances, contributing to its versatility in formulations.

Interesting facts

Decanoic Acid

Decanoic acid, often referred to as capric acid, is a fascinating compound that belongs to the class of saturated fatty acids. Found naturally in various animal fats and plant oils, it plays a significant role in numerous biological and industrial processes. Here are some interesting facts about this versatile molecule:

  • Natural Sources: Decanoic acid is primarily derived from the fats of animals and from certain plant oils like coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
  • Biodiesel Production: Due to its properties, decanoic acid is being explored as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production, contributing to renewable energy sources.
  • Food Industry: This fatty acid is used in the food industry for its flavor and antimicrobial properties, particularly in dairy products.
  • Fragrance Component: Its pleasant aroma has made decanoic acid a popular choice in the fragrance industry, often used in perfumes and soaps.
  • Health Benefits: In alternative medicine, decanoic acid is sometimes touted for its potential health benefits, including possible antimicrobial effects and its role as a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT).

As a saturated fatty acid, decanoic acid has a linear structure and is part of the medium-chain fatty acid group, making it readily absorbed by the body—the reason why MCTs are often recommended as a quick energy source for athletes. Additionally, scientists are actively researching its applications in medical fields, exploring its potential in ketone-based therapies. As you explore the endless applications of decanoic acid, you will find that this compound is much more than just a fatty acid; it is a bridge between biology, nutrition, and sustainability.

Synonyms
Decanoic acid
CAPRIC ACID
334-48-5
n-Decanoic acid
n-Capric acid
Decylic acid
Caprinic acid
Decoic acid
n-Decylic acid
1-Nonanecarboxylic acid
n-Decoic acid
Caprynic acid
Hexacid 1095
Econosan Acid Sanitizer
NSC 5025
Decanoic acid (natural)
FEMA No. 2364
C10:0
Dekansaeure
Emery 659
Kaprinsaeure
CCRIS 4610
HSDB 2751
EINECS 206-376-4
UNII-4G9EDB6V73
MFCD00004441
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 128955
BRN 1754556
4G9EDB6V73
DTXSID9021554
Prifac 296
CHEBI:30813
AI3-04453
Prifac 2906
NSC-5025
Lunac 10-95
Lunac 10-98
PRIFAC-2906
DTXCID201554
PALMAC-99-10
NSC5025
caprynate
decoate
decylate
4-02-00-01041 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
n-caprate
n-decoate
n-decylate
Lead caprate
NCGC00091320-02
1-nonanecarboxylate
Decanoic acid anion
DKA
CH3-(CH2)8-COOH
CH3-[CH2]8-COOH
Versatic 10
CAS-334-48-5
caprinsaure
decansaure
Decansaeure
Docansaure
Decatoic acid
1-decanoic acid
nonanecarboxylic acid
fatty acid 10:0
Prifrac 296
Prifrac 2906
Acid C10
Decanoic acid, 96%
Decansaeure (Altstoff)
Nonane-1-carboxylic acid
Decanoic acid (Standard)
DECANsaure (ALTSTOFF)
bmse000370
SCHEMBL2682
WLN: QV9
DECANOIC ACID [FCC]
Decanoic acid (Capric acid)
N-CAPRIC ACID [MI]
DECANOIC ACID [FHFI]
DECANOIC ACID [HSDB]
Decanoic acid, >=98.0%
MLS002415724
IS_D19-DECANOIC ACID
(1(1)(3)C)Decanoic acid
CHEMBL107498
GTPL5532
1-NONANE CARBOXYLIC ACID
N-CAPRIC ACID [WHO-DD]
Decanoic acid, lead (2+) salt
NAA 102
Decanoic acid, analytical standard
HMS2267B15
HY-W015309R
Decanoic acid, >=98.0% (GC)
Tox21_113533
Tox21_202209
Tox21_300366
LMFA01010010
s6906
STL445666
Decanoic acid, >=98%, FCC, FG
AKOS000119623
CS-W016025
DB03600
FA 10:0
FD01295
HY-W015309
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 128955
NCGC00091320-01
NCGC00091320-03
NCGC00091320-04
NCGC00091320-05
NCGC00254437-01
NCGC00259758-01
AS-14704
BP-27911
FA(10:0)
SMR001252255
SY061635
D0017
Decanoic acid, natural, >=98%, FCC, FG
NS00005224
EN300-19724
C-1095
C01571
D70225
CAPRIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF SAW PALMETTO)
Q422613
CAPRIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF SAW PALMETTO) [DSC]
Z104474944
98230577-0D20-4F70-B532-00AC60132CFE
InChI=1/C10H20O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10(11)12/h2-9H2,1H3,(H,11,12
206-376-4