Capric acid

Capric acid (also known as decanoic acid) is a naturally occurring, colourless, goat-smelling, rancid, saturated fatty acid(monocarboxylic acid) with the molecular formula:C10H20O2, a melting point of 31.4 °C and a boiling point of 268-270 °C. Capric acid is highly soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols (methanol, ethanol). In water, however, it dissolves only poorly. Its salts are called caprinates or decanoates.

Capric acid is a white solid at room temperature. The acid has a peculiar, penetrating odour reminiscent of goats (capric acid from Latin "capra" the goat). The saturated acid is poorly soluble in water, but readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol or ether. Its salts are called caprinates or decanoates.

Capric acid is found bound in triglycerides in high concentrations in various seed oils, such as in quiver flowers (Cuphea spp.) and elms (Ulmus spp.) as well as in laurel plants (Lauraceae). It is also found in palm and coconut oil and in the fat of goat's milk as well as in various essential oils, e.g. lemongrass oil, camomile oil and hop oil. Industrially, capric acid and its triglycerides are used in cosmetics. It acts as emulsifier.

The name capric acid is derived from capra, Latin for goat.

1. Ammon HPT et al (2014) Hunnius Pharmaceutical Dictionary 11th Edition Walter de Gruyter Berlin-New York p. 337