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Impurities and reference standards

Hexanoic acid

Also known as Caproic acid, n-Caproic acid, n-Hexanoic acid

CAS 142-62-1Formula C6H12O2Molar mass 116.16 g/molEC 205-550-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe) 101 suppliers listed
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Hexanoic acid chemical structure, C6H12O2, CAS 142-62-1
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Oily liquid
Melting point
-3.4 °C
Boiling point
205.8 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.93
Flash point
102 °C
HS code
291590
Category
Impurities and reference standards
UN number
UN 2829
Illustrative photo, closed blue jerry cans in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Hexanoic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Hexanoic acid is a C6, straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It has a role as a plant metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a hexanoate.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
hexanoic acid
CAS number
142-62-1 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
205-550-7
Molecular formula
C6H12O2
UNII
1F8SN134MX
MDL number
MFCD00004421
INCI name
CAPROIC ACID
InChIKey
FUZZWVXGSFPDMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C6H12O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8/h2-5H2,1H3,(H,7,8)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCCCCC(=O)O

Synonyms

  • Caproic acid
  • n-Caproic acid
  • n-Hexanoic acid
  • Capronic acid
  • 1-Hexanoic acid
  • Hexoic acid
  • Butylacetic acid
  • Pentylformic acid
  • n-Hexylic acid
  • n-Hexoic acid
  • Pentiformic acid
  • 1-Pentanecarboxylic acid
  • Hexylic acid
  • Pentanecarboxylic acid
  • Hexacid 698
  • Kyselina kapronova
  • Bi(OHex)3
  • fatty acid 6:0
  • Acid C6
  • hexanoic acid (caproic acid)
  • Acid C6, Caproic acid
  • CH3-[CH2]4-COOH
  • FA 6:0
  • Hexanoic acid (natural)
  • Hexanoic acid, Caprylic acid EP Impurity A
Show all 34 synonyms
  • hexans&#xe4, ure
  • ethyl 4-butanoic acid
  • Hexanoic acid, 99%
  • methyl 5-pentanoic acid
  • Pentane-1-carboxylic acid
  • Hexanoic acid, >=99%
  • n-C5H11COOH
  • Hexanoic acid Caproic acid
  • CH3(CH2)4COOH

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Oily liquidexp.
Odour
Characteristic goat-like odorexp.
Melting point
-3.4 °Cexp.
Boiling point
205.8 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.93exp.
Flash point
102 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
380 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 1.03 × 10⁺⁴ mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C: 27exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
116.16 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
116.0837 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.65calc.
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
4calc.
Heavy atoms
8calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.83calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
130NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H311Toxic in contact with skin.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
Precautionary statements (18)
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2829
Transport hazard class
8
Packing group
III

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Hexanoic acid suppliers

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All 101 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

101 suppliers in 22 countries

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Hexanoic acid price

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Lures for Coleoptera include caproic acid for the green June beetle, Cotinus nitida.

Manufacture of esters for artificial flavors and of hexyl derivatives, especially hexylphenols, (and) hexylresocinol.

Analytical chemistry, flavors, manufacture of rubber chemicals, varnish driers, resins and pharmaceuticals.

Industrial uses: Lubricating agent, Chain transfer agent.

Consumer uses: Fragrance.

Use classes: Surfactants, Safer Chemical Classes, Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name CAPROIC ACID(cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying, fragrance, surfactant - cleansing)

Roles

  • animal metabolite
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • human metabolite
  • mammalian metabolite
  • metabolite
  • plant metabolite

Functional uses

  • Cleaning agent
  • Deodorizer
  • Emulsifier
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Solvent
  • Surfactant (surface active agent)
  • pH regulating agent

Cosmetic functions

  • Cleansing
  • Fragrance
  • Perfuming
  • Surfactant - cleansing
  • Surfactant - emulsifying

Pharmacology

Caproic Acid is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid with a 6-carbon backbone. Caproic acid is found naturally in various plant and animal fats and oils.

How it is made

From crude fermentation of butyric acid, fractional distillation of natural fatty acids.

Manufactured by catalytic reduction of corresponding beta-lactone: Caldwell, US patent 2,484,486 (1949 to Kodak), from oleic acid: Follett, Murray, US patent 2,580,417 (1952 to Arthur D. Little), from castor oil or a ricinoleate: Steadman, Peterson, US 2,847,432 (1958 to National Res.

Read more

Corp.), by ozonolysis of tall oil unsaturated fatty acids: Maggiolo, US patent 2,865,937 (1958 to Welsbach), from 1,3-butadiene and potassium acetate in presence of sodium amide: Schmerling, Toekelt, US patent 3,075,010 (1963 to Universal Oil Prod.), from cyclohexanol: ... US patent 3,121,728 (1964 to Esso), by catalytic oxidation of n-hexanol: Hay, US patent 3,173,933 (1965 to General Electric).

Hydrogenation of gluconic acid in aqueous solution over a platinum oxide catalyst results in a modest yield of d-glucose. ... Refluxing with concentrated hydriodic acid in the presence of red phosphorus causes reduction to hexanoic acid.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Hexanoic acid is traded under.

HS 2915.90Indicative HS code

Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and halogenated…

World exports in 2024
$3.42B
+5.6% vs 2023, imports $3.55B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Indonesia15.9%
  2. Germany13.0%
  3. Malaysia12.4%
Top importers
  1. China14.4%
  2. Netherlands11.7%
  3. United States11.5%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Hexanoic acid is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Hexanoic acid, based on the data on this page

What is Hexanoic acid?

Hexanoic acid is a C6, straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It has a role as a plant metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a hexanoate.

What is the CAS number of Hexanoic acid?

The CAS registry number of Hexanoic acid is 142-62-1.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Hexanoic acid?

The molecular formula of Hexanoic acid is C6H12O2 and its molar mass is 116.16 g/mol.

What is Hexanoic acid used for?

Lures for Coleoptera include caproic acid for the green June beetle, Cotinus nitida. Manufacture of esters for artificial flavors and of hexyl derivatives, especially hexylphenols, (and) hexylresocinol. Analytical chemistry, flavors, manufacture of rubber chemicals, varnish driers, resins and pharmaceuticals.

Is Hexanoic acid hazardous?

Hexanoic acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: toxic in contact with skin, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, causes serious eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Hexanoic acid?

Hexanoic acid is usually classified under HS code 291590 (Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Hexanoic acid?

CompoundList lists 101 suppliers of Hexanoic acid in China, United States, India, Germany and 18 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Hexanoic acid in India?

11 suppliers in India list Hexanoic acid on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Hexanoic acid?

Suppliers quote Hexanoic acid on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Hexanoic acid

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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