Octanoic Acid
Synonyms
Caprylic acid;
n-Octanoic acid;
FEMA No. 2799;
1-Heptanecarboxylic acid;
Category
Anionic Surfactant
> Carboxylate
>> Chain Carboxylate
>>> Alkyl Carboxylate
>>>> Linear Alkyl Carboxylate
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 124-07-2
EINECS: 204-677-5
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C8H16O2
Molecular Weight: 144.21
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), colorless oily liquid.
Odor pungent odor.
Solubility slightly soluble in water. soluble in ethanol, benzene.
Physical - chemical properties
|
Water solubility, mg/L |
789 (30°C)[1] |
|
Melting point, °C |
16.5[1] |
Stability stable.
Risk Liquid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
600mg/kg[2] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
10080mg/kg[2] |
|
rabbit skin LD50 |
> 5000mg/kg[2] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent cleansing, emulsifying, dispersing, solubilizing, lubricating, antimicrobial, antibacterial, preservative abilities. Nonresistant to hard water.
Synthesis
Obtained that n-octanol or n-octanal is oxidized.
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
99.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
GB/T 5173 Surface active agents and detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by direct two-phase titration procedure
ISO 2271 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by manual or mechanical direct two-phase titration procedure
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Caprylic acid
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances; or furtherly test for microorganisms.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as cleansing agent.
Use as emulsifying agent, dispersing agent.
Use as preservative.
2, Household detergents
Use as cleansing agent.
3, Organic synthesis
Widely used in preparation of dyes, medicines, spices, preservatives and fungicides, etc.
Widely used in preparation of octanoic acid esters. Octanoic acid esters can be used in personal care products, perfume, medicine, etc.
Widely used in preparation of octanoic acid salts. Octanoic acid salts can be used in personal care products, household cleaning products, catalyst, paints, etc.
4, Personal care products
Use as cleansing agent, emulsifying agent, masking agent, perfume.
5, Pets
Use as cleansing agent, emulsifying agent.
6, Machinery
Lubricant, corrosion inhibitor in metal processing liquids.
7, Coatings
Drier in paint.
8, Ore dressing
Metal extracting agent in mineral processing industry.
9, Food
Use as perfume.
10, Medicine
Pharmaceutical excipients. Use as stabilizing agent, bacteriostatic agent. (This section is for reference only, should be implemented according to local Pharmacopoeia.)
Manufacturers
References
[1]: HSDB. 124-07-2, Octanoic acid
[2]: ChemIDplus. 124-07-2, Octanoic acid
Update: 20131102(1); 20180220(2);