Showing chemical card for Capric acid (CFc000000391)
Record Information
Version
1.0
Creation Date
2022-08-28 10:25:12 UTC
Update Date
2022-09-13 18:44:46 UTC
Chemfont ID
CFc000000391
Molecule Identification
Common Name
Capric acid
Definition
Capric acid, also known as decanoic acid is a C10 saturated fatty acid. It is a member of the series of fatty acids found in oils and animal fats. The names of caproic, caprylic, and capric acids are all derived from the word caper (Latin for goat). These fatty acids are light yellowish transparent oily liquids with a sweaty, unpleasant aroma that is reminiscent of goats. Capric acid is used in the manufacture of esters for artificial fruit flavors and perfumes. It is also used as an intermediate in chemical syntheses. Capric acid is used in organic synthesis and industrially in the manufacture of perfumes, lubricants, greases, rubber, dyes, plastics, food additives and pharmaceuticals. Capric acid occurs naturally in coconut oil (about 10%) and palm kernel oil (about 4%), otherwise it is uncommon in typical seed oils. It is found in the milk of various mammals and to a lesser extent in other animal fats. Capric acid, caproic acid (a C6:0 fatty acid) and caprylic acid (a C8:0 fatty acid) account for about 15% of the fatty acids in goat milk fat (PMID 16747831 ). Capric acid may be responsible for the mitochondrial proliferation associated with the ketogenic diet, which may occur via PPARgamma receptor agonism and the targeting of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis (PMIDL 24383952).
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as medium-chain fatty acids. These are fatty acids with an aliphatic tail that contains between 4 and 12 carbon atoms.
