Basic Information

• Product Name : Hexanoic Acid (Caproic Acid)
• Alias : Caproic Acid (derived from Latin "capra" meaning goat, as it was first found in goat fats), n-Hexanoic Acid
• CAS Number : 142-62-1
• Molecular Formula : C 6 H 12 O 2
• Molecular Weight : 116.16 g/mol

• Appearance and State :
  • Colorless transparent oily liquid at room temperature, with a pungent, rancid odor (similar to sweat or cheese).
• Melting/Boiling Point :
  • Melting point: -3.4 °C
  • Boiling point: 205.3 °C (at atmospheric pressure), volatile.
• Solubility :
  • Slightly soluble in water (about 1.0 g/100 mL at 20 °C), soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, diethyl ether, and acetone.
• Density : 0.928 g/cm³ (25 °C)
• Refractive Index : 1.416 (20 °C)

• Acidity :
  • As a saturated fatty acid, it exhibits typical carboxylic acid properties, reacting with bases to form salts (e.g., hexanoates). Its pKa is approximately 4.85 (25 °C).
• Esterification Reaction :
  • Reacts with alcohols under acid catalysis to form hexanoates (e.g., ethyl hexanoate, which has a fruity aroma and is used in fragrances): C 5 H 11 COOH + C 2 H 5 OH H+Δ C 5 H 11 COOC 2 H 5 + H 2 O
• Oxidation and Reduction :
  • Can be oxidized to carbon dioxide and water by strong oxidants (e.g., potassium permanganate); reduction yields hexanol.
• Thermal Stability :
  • Stable at high temperatures but flammable in case of flame, with combustion products of carbon dioxide and water.

• Food Additive :
  • Used as an acidity regulator in foods like cheese, butter, and baked goods, with limited usage (compliant with standards such as FDA and GB 2760).
• Fragrance Synthesis :
  • Its esters (e.g., ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl hexanoate) have fruity scents (e.g., pineapple, apple) and are applied in beverages, candies, perfumes, and daily chemical fragrances.

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate :
  • Used in synthesizing antibiotics (e.g., side chains of penicillin drugs), lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors.
• Organic Synthesis Raw Material :
  • Prepares chemicals like hexanoic anhydride and hexanoates, or acts as a solvent for coatings and resins.

• Feed Additive :
  • Added in small amounts to improve feed palatability or as a preservative (utilizing its antibacterial properties).
• Industrial Use :
  • Serves as a lubricant in metalworking fluids, leather treatment agent, or for preparing surfactants.

• Irritation :
  • Skin contact: Causes redness, itching, and potential dermatitis with prolonged exposure.
  • Eye contact: Irritates the conjunctiva, possibly damaging the cornea in severe cases.
  • Inhalation/ingestion: Vapors or mist irritate the respiratory tract, causing cough and sore throat; ingestion may lead to nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
• Toxicity : Low toxicity (LD 50 for rats oral: ~3.2 g/kg), but high-concentration vapors are corrosive.

• Environmental Impact :
  • Toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid direct discharge into water bodies. It is biodegradable but inhibits microbial activity at high concentrations.
• Storage Conditions :
  • Store sealed in a cool, ventilated place, away from ignition sources (flash point: 104 °C, flammable liquid).
  • Separate from oxidants and bases to prevent reactions.
  • Use corrosion-resistant containers (e.g., stainless steel or glass) and avoid contact with metals (e.g., iron, aluminum) to prevent corrosion.

• Leakage : Absorb with sand or inert adsorbents, collect, and dispose of as chemical waste. For large spills, transfer with explosion-proof pumps to sealed containers.
• Firefighting : Use alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, or dry powder extinguishers; avoid direct water spray (may spread the liquid).
• Protection : Wear corrosion-resistant gloves, goggles, and a respirator (in vapor environments) during operation.

Packaging can be customized according to customer requirements.

Qingdao Jinyu Chemical Co., LTD,which is located in Qingdao City, China, with registered capital of RMB 10 million, is a dynamic chemical import and export enterprise with customer demand as its own responsibility. The founder has been engaged in the chemical industry for more than 20 years. With professional technical and marketing personnel, diversified cooperative factories with synthetic technology and efficient logistics management, we provide services to customers all over the world. After years of hard work, we have selected a number of excellent chemical production cooperative enterprises in China. These enterprises have their own advantages in different chemical synthesis fields. They have passed the strict inspection of suppliers by many customers and formed a long-term and stable strategic partnership with customers. With our partners' excellent equipment, well-trained employees and mature technology, we also continue to provide customers with more products.