Octanol is also known as caprylic acid. It is a medium-chain fatty acid (C8:0) naturally found in the milk of various mammals as well as coconut oil. With its eight-carbon backbone as well as carboxylic acid functional group, it exhibits unique physicochemical properties such as moderate hydrophobicity & also a melting point of around 16 °C. These characteristics make it valuable in food preservation, antimicrobial formulations, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. Industrial-grade Octanolis produced via fractionation of natural fats or chemical synthesis. Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antifatty swelling properties, Octanolis extensively used in dietary, personal-care, and chemical sectors.
Octanol(C₈H₁₆O₂) is systematically known as caprylic acid. This is a saturated fatty acid comprising an eight-carbon aliphatic chain terminated with a carboxyl group. It appears as a colorless to straw yellow oily liquid at room temperature with a faint, fatty smell. It is poorly soluble in water but readily dissolves in ethanol, ether, and other organic solvents.
In biochemistry, Octanolis a key component in metabolic pathways. It is one of the medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and can be rapidly absorbed and metabolized by the liver, bypassing the usual lymphatic system route. This rapid metabolic pathway renders it an efficient energy source. This makes it valuable in clinical nutrition as well as ketogenic diets.
Octanolexhibits antimicrobial as well as antifungal properties. This disrupts lipid membranes in microbes & is also commonly used in preservatives as well as sanitizers. In the personal care as well as cosmetic industry, it acts as an emollient, scent fixative & also pH adjuster in formulations such as creams, lotions as well as deodorants. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a substrate for esterification & also amidation reactions. It leads to intermediates in drug synthesis or drug delivery agents.
Industrially, Octanolis used in lubricants, plasticizers, greases, dyes, hydraulic fluids as well as mold release agents. It is also an intermediate for the production of esters like isoamyl esters. It is used as flavoring agents as well as fragrance components.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 124-07-2 |
| Chemical Name | Octanol(Caprylic acid) |
| Molecular Formula | C8H16O2 |
| Appearance | Colorless to straw yellow liquid |
| Purity | ≥ 99.0% |
| Molecular Weight | 144.21 g/mol |
| Assay (GC) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Acid Value | ≤ 203 mg KOH/g |
| Water Content (Karl Fisher) | ≤ 0.1% w/w |
| Specific Gravity (20 °C) | ~ 0.910 |
| Refractive Index (n²⁰ᴰ) | ~ 1.432 |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 10 |
| Flash Point (Pensky-Martens) | ≥ 110 °C |
| Freezing/Melting Point | ~ 16 °C |
| Odor | Mild fatty odor |
• Purity & Assay: Ensures ≥ 99% pure via GC method, key for pharmaceutical and food-grade uses.
• Moisture Content: It is maintained below 0.1% via Karl Fischer titration to prevent hydrolytic degradation as well as moisture-sensitive reactions.
• Physical Properties: It has density ~0.91 g/mL, refractive index ~1.432; which is needed for formulation design as well as QC.
• Acid Value: The value is ≤ 203 mg KOH/g which reflects minimal free acid impurities. It is critical in ester production.
• Color & Appearance: APHA ≤ 10; crystal-clear liquid is important for cosmetic as well as food-grade applications.
• Safety Parameter: Flash point is ≥ 110 °C that indicates moderate flammability. It is mitigable during production as well as handling.
Octanolhas a straight-chain eight-carbon backbone capped with a carboxyl (-COOH) functional group. Representation:
CH₃–(CH₂)₆–COOH
• Carboxyl Group (–COOH): Polar, capable of hydrogen bonding & acidity in aqueous/organic media. It also participates in esterification/amidation.
• Hydrophobic Tail (–CH₂)₆: Nonpolar solvent that contributes lipophilicity, influences solubility as well as interactions with lipid membranes.
• Saturated Chain: No C=C double bonds. It offers chemical stability as well as resistance to oxidative degradation, unlike unsaturated fatty acids.
This amphiphilic structure enables applications in cosmetics, surfactants, and antimicrobial agents, balancing hydrophilic and lipophilic properties.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry area below 30 °C in tightly sealed containers to avoid moisture uptake and oxidation.
Packaging: Use food-grade HDPE drums, lined steel drums, or glass bottles (≥ 1 kg) to prevent corrosion or contamination.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation; vapors can cause irritation.
Fire Safety: Moderate flammability; store away from open flames, sparks, heat sources. Use grounded containers.
Spill Response: Contain spills; absorb with inert material (sand, vermiculite), dispose of chemical waste.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE): Use nitrile gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and dust masks if aerosolized.
Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months if stored as per guidelines, protected from heat, light, moisture, and contaminants.
1 kg amber glass bottles.
5 kg, 25 kg, and 200 kg food-grade HDPE drums.
Customized sizes based on customer needs and downstream application requirements.
1. Food & Flavor Industry
Used in flavoring agents and food preservatives.
Acts as a flavor precursor in cheeses, dairy, beverages, and confections.
2. Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
Ketogenic stimulants; included in medical nutritional feeds.
Antimicrobial/antifungal agent in topical formulations.
Esterification/amidation reagent in drug intermediates.
3. Cosmetics & Personal Care
Emollient, pH adjuster, fixative.
Ingredients in creams, lotions, and deodorants.
Surfactant and solvent in cleansing systems.
4. Industrial & Technical
Lubricants, plasticizers, hydraulic fluids.
Mold release agents, dye solubilizers.
Chemical intermediate for esters (e.g. isoamyl octanoate) in fragrances.
5. Antimicrobial & Sanitizing Formulations
Used in disinfectants, sanitizers for food processing due to bactericidal and fungicidal properties.
6. Chemical Synthesis
Precursor for esters and amides; used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, specialty chemicals.
At Shakti Chemicals in Mumbai, India, we stand out among Octanolsuppliers, exporter, traders, dealers, importers, and distributors.
Consistent Quality: High-purity ≥ 99% grades suitable for food, pharma-tech, and industrial uses.
Comprehensive Packaging: Available in a range of pack sizes from retail bottles to industrial drums.
Regulatory Compliance: Manufactured under ISO standards; conforms to FCC, BP, EP, and USP specifications.
Global Reach: As suppliers, traders, dealers, importers, and distributors, we have an expansive international network ensuring fast delivery and competitive pricing.
Reliable Logistics: Strategically located warehouses ensure prompt handling and seamless export-import coordination.
Technical Support: Expert team offers product formulation advice, regulatory assistance, and handling guidelines.
What is the purity of Shakti Chemicals’ octanoic acid?
≥ 99% (GC), with ≤ 0.1% moisture and APHA color ≤ 10.
Is it food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade?
Yes. Food grade meets FCC/BP standards; pharmaceutical grade conforms to EP/USP.
What pack sizes are available?
1 kg glass bottles; 5 kg, 25 kg, and 200 kg HDPE drums.
How should it be stored?
Store in cool, dry conditions (<30 °C), sealed containers, away from heat and moisture.
What is its shelf life?
12–24 months when stored correctly.
Does it need special handling?
Use PPE (gloves, lab coat, goggles); handle in well-ventilated areas; comply with fire safety.
Can it be used in food products?
Yes, if food-grade FCC quality is used.
Does Shakti Chemicals provide documentation?
Yes, including Certificates of Analysis (CoA), safety data sheets (SDS), and regulatory compliance documentation.
Is shipping worldwide available?
Yes. We serve global clients with import-export logistics support.
What applications is it best suited for?
Ideal for food and flavoring, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, sanitizing solutions, and industrial intermediates.
Octanolis a versatile medium-chain fatty acid valued for its antimicrobial, emollient, solvent, and ester-forming capabilities. With its unique physicochemical and biological properties, it finds applications across food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and chemical sectors. Shakti Chemicals in Maharashtra, as trusted suppliers, traders, dealers, importers, and distributors, offer high-purity, regulatory-compliant Octanolalong with robust logistics and technical support to meet diverse industrial needs. Whether for flavor formulations, nutraceuticals, cosmetic manufacturing, or industrial intermediates, Shakti Chemicals delivers quality and service excellence.
Looking for high-quality Octanoic Acid? Contact us today for bulk orders and technical details.
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