Organic Acids
REACH
Hexanoic acid
CAS Number
142-62-1
EC Number
205-550-7
FEMA Number
FEMA 2559
What is Hexanoic acid?
Hexanoic acid (CAS 142-62-1), also known as caproic acid, is a short-chain fatty acid used in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing. FEMA 2559.
Where is Hexanoic acid used?
- Food and beverage: flavoring agent and pH regulator, contributing cheesy, goat-like notes and acting as an acidulant in flavor formulations
- Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical: starting material for medium-chain triglycerides and capric/caprylic acid esters
- Personal care: emulsification support and pH modifier in creams, cleansers, and conditioning products
- Specialty chemicals and polymers: catalyst precursor and ligand in organometallic chemistry
- It serves as a preservative and a precursor to ester synthesis.
Good to know: Food-grade material meets FEMA and FCC specifications; pharmaceutical-grade supply conforms to USP or Ph. Eur. standards.
Commercial specifications
- Drum, IBC, and bulk quantities
- Food-grade: FEMA and FCC specifications
Other Names (Synonyms)
pentylformic acid|pentiformic acid|Pentanecarboxylic acid|n-hexylic acid|N-Hexylate|n-hexoic acid|N-Hexoate|n-hexanoic acid
What are the physical properties of Hexanoic acid?
Melting Point -3.4 °C
Boiling Point 205.8 °C
Density 0.929 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 220 °F
Appearance colourless liquid
Color Clear colorless to light yellow
Odor at 10.00 % in propylene glycol. sour fatty sweat cheese
Form Liquid
Water Solubility 1.1 g/100 mL (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 0.18 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.4161(lit.)
pH 4 (1g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P 1.92 at 25℃
How is Hexanoic acid classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H332 Harmful if inhaled
Precautionary Statements
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Hexanoic acid?
HS Code 29159000
UN Number 2829
ADR Class 8
Packing Group III
Storage Class 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 1