Hexanoic acid
Synonyms
Caproic acid;
n-Caproic acid;
FEMA No. 2559;
Category
Anionic Surfactant
> Carboxylate
>> Chain Carboxylate
>>> Alkyl Carboxylate
>>>> Linear Alkyl Carboxylate
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 142-62-1
EINECS: 205-550-7
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
Molecular Weight: 116.16
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), colorless oily liquid.
Odor characteristic goat-like odor.
Solubility soluble in water.
Physical - chemical properties
|
Water solubility, g/L |
10.3 (25°C)[1] |
|
Surface tension, mN/m |
23.4 (70°C,)[1] |
Stability stable.
Risk Liquid form: corrosion; 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
|
rat oral LD50 |
2.05mL/kg[2] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
3180mg/kg[2] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
5000mg/kg[2] |
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
1725mg/kg[2] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent wetting, permeating, cleansing, emulsifying, dispersing, masking, solubilizing abilities.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
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), GB 1886.120 Food safety national standard -- Food additive -- Hexanoic 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 wetting agent, permeating agent.
Use as perfume.
2, Food
Food additive (perfume) in food industry.
3, Personal care products
Cleansing agent, emulsifying agent, masking agent, perfume in personal care products.
4, Organic synthesis
Used in preparation of salts, esters, polyester resin, etc.
5, Polymer
Use as rubber auxiliary.
6, Coatings
Drier in paint.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: HSDB. 142-62-1, Hexanoic acid
[2]: ChemIDplus. 142-62-1, Hexanoic acid
Update: 20140209(1); 20180815(2);