Overview
Heptanoic acid ( CAS 111-14-8 ), also known as oenanthic acid, is a seven-carbon saturated fatty acid used as a chemical intermediate, flavoring agent, and functional ingredient across food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Its FEMA 3348 designation supports regulated use in flavor applications. Buyers source it primarily as a building block for esters, salts, and specialty derivatives for various industrial applications.
In flavor and fragrance formulation, heptanoic acid contributes fruity, rancid, and waxy top notes. It serves as a precursor to heptyl esters used in artificial fruit flavors and aromatic compounds.
Personal care manufacturers incorporate it into emulsifier and surfactant synthesis, where its chain length influences HLB balance in finished formulations. This ensures stability in complex cosmetic mixtures.
Pharmaceutical producers use it as an intermediate in the synthesis of active ingredients and excipient esters requiring a C7 acid backbone. It also functions as a pH regulator and preservative component.
The material is utilized in select industrial and cosmetic systems where medium-chain fatty acid activity is required. Heptanoic acid is supplied as a clear to pale yellow liquid for commercial use.
Standard commercial grades include technical and food/flavor-grade material, with the latter meeting purity requirements aligned with FEMA-listed use. Packaging typically ranges from drums to IBC containers.
Bulk procurement options are available to meet the needs of large-scale manufacturing. The product maintains high stability when stored under appropriate conditions in industrial settings.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -7.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 222.2 °C |
| Density | 0.9181 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | colourless liquid with a pungent and rancid odour |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | at 1.00 % in propylene glycol. rancid sour cheesy sweat |
| Form | Powder |
| Water Solubility | 0.24 g/100 mL (15 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | <0.1 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.4221(lit.) |
| Log P | 2.54 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS07 Hazard Statements H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage H335 May cause respiratory irritation H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness Precautionary Statements P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29159000 |
| UN Number | 3265 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 111-14-8
- EC Number
- 203-838-7
- Mol. Weight
- 130.18
- HS Code
- 29159000
- Category
- Surfactants