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Decanoic acid, also known as capric acid or decylic acid, is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid with a chemical formula of CH3(CH2)8COOH. It appears as a white crystalline solid and is characterized by its rancid odor. With a melting point of 31.5 °C, decanoic acid is soluble in most organic solvents and in dilute nitric acid. Notably, it is non-toxic, which broadens its range of applications. In terms of its biological roles, decanoic acid functions as an antibacterial agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, and is a metabolite in humans, plants, and algae. It is categorized as a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), and is a conjugate acid of a decanoate. It is derived from a hydride of decane. Decanoic acid is part of the straight chain fatty acids family, featuring a straight aliphatic chain. It interacts with various proteins including furin, octanoyltransferase, 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] synthase 1, peptostreptococcal albumin-binding protein, and others.The name "capric acid" comes from the Latin "caper / capra" (meaning goat), due to the compound's unpleasant, goat-like smell. It naturally occurs in coconut oil (about 10%) and palm kernel oil (about 4%), and is also found in the milk of various mammals and, to a lesser extent, in other animal fats. Along with caproic acid (a C6:0 fatty acid) and caprylic acid (a C8:0 fatty acid), capric acid contributes to 15% of the fat in goat milk. Industrially, decanoic acid is used to manufacture esters for artificial fruit flavors and perfumes. It also serves as an intermediate in chemical syntheses, finding applications in the production of perfumes, lubricants, greases, rubber, dyes, plastics, food additives, and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, caprate esters of various pharmaceuticals are used to enhance lipophilicity and affinity for adipose tissue, leading to the development of long-acting injectable forms of drugs (depot injections). Examples include nandrolone decanoate, fluphenazine decanoate, bromperidol decanoate, and haloperidol decanoate. Decanoic acid's multifaceted uses, from food flavoring to pharmaceutical applications, highlight its significance in various industries.

GHS Hazard Statements

• H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

• H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

• H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

First Aid

• Eyes: Check for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush eyes with water for 20-30 minutes. Seek medical help and avoid applying any substances without physician's instructions. Transport victim to hospital even without symptoms.

• Skin: Rinse affected skin with water, remove contaminated clothing, and wash skin thoroughly. Call a physician if redness or irritation develops, and be ready to transport victim to a hospital.

• Inhalation: Leave contaminated area, breathe fresh air. If symptoms arise, call a physician and provide respiratory protection. Use SCBA if possible, or higher level of protection.

• Ingestion: Don't induce vomiting. If conscious, give water and contact medical help. If unconscious, ensure open airway, lay victim on side, and transport to hospital without inducing vomiting (NTP, 1992).

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Source: PubChem