Decanoic acid
IUPAC name	Decanoic acid
Other names	Capric acid n-Capric acid n-Decanoic acid Decylic acid n-Decylic acid
Identifiers
CAS number	[334-48-5]
SMILES	CCCCCCCCCC(=O)O
Properties
Molecular formula	C10H20O2
Molar mass	172.26 g/mol
Appearance	White crystals with strong smell
Density	0.893 g/cm3, ?
Melting point	31 °C (304 K)
Boiling point	269 °C (542 K)
Solubility in water	immiscible
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
Main hazards	Medium toxicity May cause respiratory irritation May be toxic on ingestion May be toxic on skin contact
R-phrases	R36 R38
S-phrases	S24 S25 S26 S36 S37 S39
Related compounds
Related fatty acids	Caprylic acid Lauric acid
Related compounds	Decanol Decanal
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references

Decanoic acid is a type of carboxylic acid. Its formula is CH₃(CH₂)₈COOH. It is also known as capric acid. Salts and esters of decanoic acid are called decanoates.

It is used in organic synthesis and industrially in the manufacture of perfumes, lubricants, greases, rubber, dyes, plastics, food additives and pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceuticals

Decanoate salts and esters of various drugs are available. Since decanoic acid is a fatty acid, forming a salt or ester with a drug will increase its lipophilicity and its affinity for fatty tissue. Since distribution of a drug from fatty tissue is usually slow, one may develop a long-acting injectable form of a drug (called a Depot injection) by using its decanoate form. Some examples of drugs available as a decanoate ester or salt include nandrolone, fluphenazine, bromperidol, haloperidol and vanoxerine.

References

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