capric acid

chemistry

Also known as: decanoic acid

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

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Capric acid is a fatty acid with the chemical formula C₁₀H₂₀O₂. It is found in various fats and oils and is utilized in the creation of flavors and perfumes. The name "capric" originates from the Latin word for goat, referencing its distinct odor. This acid was first documented in 1830.1

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carboxylic acid
Saturated aliphatic acids
decanoic (capric) acids, respectively. Common names for these three acids are derived from the Latin caper, meaning “goat.” Some hard cheeses (e.g., Swiss cheese) contain natural propanoic acid. The higher even-numbered saturated acids, from C₁₂ to C₁₈ (lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic
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decanoic (capric) acids, respectively. Common names for these three acids are derived from the Latin caper, meaning “goat.” Some hard cheeses (e.g., Swiss cheese) contain natural propanoic acid. The higher even-numbered saturated acids, from C₁₂ to C₁₈ (lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic
Read More