Overview
Hexanoic acid (CAS 142-62-1 ), also known as caproic acid, is a short-chain fatty acid used across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing. Recognized under FEMA 2559 , it functions as a flavoring agent and pH regulator.
This versatile chemical serves as a preservative and a precursor to ester synthesis. In food and beverage production, it contributes characteristic cheesy, goat-like flavor notes and acts as an acidulant in flavor formulations.
Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers use it as a starting material for synthesizing medium-chain triglycerides and capric/caprylic acid esters. It is essential for high-purity chemical synthesis and processing.
In personal care formulations, it supports emulsification and acts as a pH modifier in creams, cleansers, and conditioning products. It also serves as a catalyst precursor and ligand in organometallic chemistry.
These properties make it relevant to specialty chemical and polymer processing applications. Hexanoic acid is supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid in drum, IBC, and bulk quantities for industrial use.
Food-grade material meeting FEMA and FCC specifications is available for flavoring applications. Technical-grade material covers industrial and synthesis uses across various manufacturing sectors.
Pharmaceutical-grade supply conforming to USP or Ph.Eur. standards is also commercially available for regulated manufacturing. This ensures compliance with international quality and safety protocols.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -3.4 °C |
| Boiling Point | 205.8 °C |
| Density | 0.929 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 220 °F |
| Appearance | colourless liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless to light yellow |
| Odor | at 10.00 % in propylene glycol. sour fatty sweat cheese |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 1.1 g/100 mL (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.18 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.4161(lit.) |
| pH | 4 (1g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | 1.92 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS06 GHS07 Hazard Statements H311 Toxic in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage H332 Harmful if inhaled Precautionary Statements P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. 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. 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. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P361+P364 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. 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 | 2829 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 142-62-1
- EC Number
- 205-550-7
- Mol. Weight
- 116.16
- HS Code
- 29159000
- Category
- Surfactants