Hexanoic acid

Hexanoic acid (CAS 142-62-1), also known as caproic acid, is a short-chain fatty acid used across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing. Recognized under FEMA 2559, it functions as a flavoring agent and pH regulator. This versatile chemical serves as a preservative and a precursor to ester synthesis. In food and beverage production, it contributes characteristic cheesy, goat-like flavor notes and acts as an acidulant in flavor formulations.

Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers use it as a starting material for synthesizing medium-chain triglycerides and capric/caprylic acid esters. It is essential for high-purity chemical synthesis and processing. In personal care formulations, it supports emulsification and acts as a pH modifier in creams, cleansers, and conditioning products. It also serves as a catalyst precursor and ligand in organometallic chemistry.

These properties make it relevant to specialty chemical and polymer processing applications. Hexanoic acid is supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid in drum, IBC, and bulk quantities for industrial use. Food-grade material meeting FEMA and FCC specifications is available for flavoring applications. Technical-grade material covers industrial and synthesis uses across various manufacturing sectors.

Pharmaceutical-grade supply conforming to USP or Ph.Eur. standards is also commercially available for regulated manufacturing. This ensures compliance with international quality and safety protocols.