caproic acid

chemical compound

Also known as: hexanoic acid

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Caproic acid is a liquid fatty acid with the chemical formula C₆H₁₂O₂. It is found as a glycerol ester in fats and oils and can also be produced synthetically for use in pharmaceuticals and flavorings.1

Caproic acid is one of several even-numbered saturated fatty acids, typically ranging from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, that are found in milk fats. Specifically, goat's milk is rich in hexanoic acid (caproic acid), octanoic acid (caprylic acid), and decanoic acid (capric acid). The common names for these acids are derived from the Latin word "caper," meaning "goat," due to their characteristic odor.23

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carboxylic acid
Saturated aliphatic acids
…6-, 8-, and 10-carbon acids: hexanoic (caproic), octanoic (caprylic), and 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,
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…6-, 8-, and 10-carbon acids: hexanoic (caproic), octanoic (caprylic), and 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,
Read More