Fragrance-ester precursors
Decanoic acid is a starting material for esters used in perfumes and fruit-flavor ingredients. [3]
01
THE ESSENTIALS
Decanoic Acid in 30 Seconds
Nine alkyl-chain carbons terminate in COOH. Capric acid is distinct from the eight-carbon caprylic acid and from caprate salts or esters.
Decanoic acid, commonly called capric acid, is the ten-carbon saturated free acid. It is normally solid at 20 °C, even though some commercial packages are listed by volume. [1] [3]
Safety at a glance — TCI D0017 identifies skin irritation, serious eye damage and long-lasting aquatic harm. Merck 802169 lists skin and eye irritation and aquatic harm and identifies a combustible-solid storage class. Avoid describing decanoic acid as harmless because fatty-acid derivatives have familiar consumer uses. [4] [5] [6]
A condensed structural formula keeps the functional groups visible. [1]
02
GO A LITTLE DEEPER
Understanding Decanoic Acid
THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
The functional groups
Nine alkyl-chain carbons terminate in COOH. Capric acid is distinct from the eight-carbon caprylic acid and from caprate salts or esters. [1]
A LITTLE DEEPER
What the structure changes
Its solid/liquid transition is central to procurement. A product volume does not establish the mass delivered unless the supplier defines the filling basis; a liquid-density reference cannot be applied automatically to the solid. [1] [12]
Technical detail Identity, dissociation & specification
The formula and connectivity describe the neutral, straight-chain free acid. A numeric pKa is omitted because the retrieved evidence does not establish a sufficiently defensible condition-labelled field. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6]
Acid–base reference values describe equilibria under specified conditions. They are not a substitute for a validated formulation or an assay on the purchased lot.
03
MAKE THE CONNECTION
How Decanoic Acid Compares
Similar names and functional groups do not mean interchangeable chemicals.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Decanoic Acid vs Octanoic Acid
Saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid
versusSaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid
Fixed comparison for this prototype. Acid selectors are disabled; additional comparisons are coming later.
| Property | Decanoic Acid | Octanoic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₁₀H₂₀O₂ [1] | C₈H₁₆O₂ [7] |
| Molecular weight | 172.26 g/mol [1] | 144.21 g/mol [7] |
| Carbon atoms | 10 [1] | 8 [7] |
| Carboxyl groups | 1 [1] | 1 [7] |
| Structure | CH₃–(CH₂)₈–COOH [1] | CH₃–(CH₂)₆–COOH [7] |
| Chemical family | Saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [1] | Saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [7] |
| Identity focus | Free acid; solid at 20 °C [1] | Free acid; liquid at 20 °C [7] |
Chemical identities are compared here; supplier grades, concentrations, and stereochemical specifications are separate purchasing attributes. pKa values retain their stated conditions; no quantitative solubility ranking is implied.
When Might You Choose One Instead of the Other?
Select the ten-carbon acid when the target requires a decanoyl residue. Confirm solid or molten delivery and filling basis before choosing between mass and volume products. A caprylic or capric derivative specification cannot be met by substituting the other free acid. [1] [3] [7]
Specified starting material
Decanoic Acid
Match CH₃–(CH₂)₈–COOH and the method’s required chemical form.
Octanoic Acid
Match CH₃–(CH₂)₆–COOH; verify the identity before substituting a related acid.
Before choosing: match the reaction or formulation, then verify the exact form, grade, assay basis, and impurities. These contexts do not establish suitability for an industrial or regulated application.
04
FROM STRUCTURE TO APPLICATION
What Is Decanoic Acid Used For?
Fragrance-ester precursors
Decanoic acid is a starting material for esters used in perfumes and fruit-flavor ingredients. The ester application does not qualify these reagent listings as food-grade free acid. [3]
Specialty intermediate synthesis
Compiled industrial references identify the acid as an intermediate for ethyl caprate. The ester has a different identity and applications from the acid. [3]
06
SOURCE WITH CONTEXT
Decanoic Acid Suppliers
Compare specific products and package options. Listings are not ranked recommendations.
3 suppliers · 3 products · 7 package listingsLatest supplier check: October 3, 2026
Package sizes stay grouped under the supplier product. Assay methods, product forms, and regional markets remain visible. Specify capric acid CAS 334-48-5, GC versus acid-equivalent assay, water, other chain lengths and delivery form. TCI sells mass packages; Merck and Wako also list volume packages. Verify the filling basis directly and keep them Not compared.
Scroll horizontally if needed. Supplier and package identity stay visible.
| Supplier | Product / Grade | Purity / Assay | Package Size | Public Price | Normalized Price | Documentation | Last Checked | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCI AmericaDecanoic Acid | Named grade not statedD0017 · 25 gFree acid; GC and neutralization titration are separate specifications where both are listed. | GC: minimum 98.0% Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0% | 25 g | $24.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: TCI America
| View Product: TCI America, D0017 · 25 g (opens new tab) | |
| Named grade not statedD0017 · 400 gFree acid; GC and neutralization titration are separate specifications where both are listed. | GC: minimum 98.0% Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0% | 400 g | $42.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: TCI America, D0017 · 400 g (opens new tab) | |||
| Sigma-Aldrich / MerckDecanoic Acid | For synthesis8021690100The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred. | 98.0% minimum (GC area %, a/a) | 100 mL | $46.40USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
| View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 8021690100 (opens new tab) | |
| For synthesis8021691000The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred. | 98.0% minimum (GC area %, a/a) | 1 L | $111.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 8021691000 (opens new tab) | |||
| For synthesis8021699010The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred. | 98.0% minimum (GC area %, a/a) | 10 kg | $480.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 8021699010 (opens new tab) | |||
| FUJIFILM WakoDecanoic Acid | Wako Special Grade049-23252Research / further manufacturing; Japan stock listing does not confirm US availability. Supplier lists volume packages for an acid normally solid at 20 °C. Confirm filling basis; no mass-to-volume comparison. | 99.0+% (capillary GC) | 25 mL | Public price not verified | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
| View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 049-23252 (opens new tab) | |
| Wako Special Grade041-23256Research / further manufacturing; Japan stock listing does not confirm US availability. Supplier lists volume packages for an acid normally solid at 20 °C. Confirm filling basis; no mass-to-volume comparison. | 99.0+% (capillary GC) | 500 mL | $46.00USD · US catalog list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 041-23256 (opens new tab) |
TCI America
Decanoic Acid
Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0%
Named grade not stated
Free acid; GC and neutralization titration are separate specifications where both are listed.
25 g
D0017 · 25 g- Public price
- $24.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
400 g
D0017 · 400 g- Public price
- $42.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: TCI America
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
Decanoic Acid
For synthesis
The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred.
100 mL
8021690100- Public price
- $46.40USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
1 L
8021691000- Public price
- $111.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
10 kg
8021699010- Public price
- $480.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
FUJIFILM Wako
Decanoic Acid
Wako Special Grade
Research / further manufacturing; Japan stock listing does not confirm US availability. Supplier lists volume packages for an acid normally solid at 20 °C. Confirm filling basis; no mass-to-volume comparison.
25 mL
049-23252- Public price
- Public price not verified
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 mL
041-23256- Public price
- $46.00USD · US catalog list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Documentation evidence
COA = Certificate of Analysis · SDS = Safety Data Sheet · COO = Certificate of Origin.
Lookup means a retrieval option was visible, not that a lot certificate was reviewed. Check supplier means availability or the applicable document was not verified.
Prices may vary by quantity, account, contract, geography, and availability. These products have different grades, assay bases, or forms; no normalized comparison is shown. Foreign-market prices are reference listings only. No currency conversion, mass-to-volume conversion, or ranking is applied. Confirm equivalent specifications and a current quote before comparison. [4] [5] [6]
Verification limits & placement policy
pKa: OMITTED. HSDB cites 4.90 to Barratt (1996) without sufficient solvent/temperature/method context in the retrieved entry. No condition-free number promoted. Water solubility: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB reports 0.015 g/100 g at 20 °C and 61.8 mg/L at 25 °C. These differ in temperature and mass versus volume basis, but neither difference establishes the cause of the magnitude discrepancy. Main numeric field omitted. Boiling behavior: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. NIST compiled boiling average is 530 ±60 K; Wako lists about 203 °C without pressure while HSDB gives 268.7 °C. Retrieved data do not establish a reduced-pressure explanation for 203 °C. Main boiling field omitted. Density: OMITTED. Solid-at-20 °C identity conflicts with unsupported conversion use of liquid-like supplier density at 20 °C. No mass-to-volume conversion; no universal density field.
Only the displayed identity, specification, packages, public prices and stated documentation evidence were reviewed. Current stock, lead times, shipping eligibility, contract pricing, lot certificates, and regulatory suitability are unverified.
There are no paid placements. Future paid listings will show “Sponsored” in both views; payment will not determine chemistry interpretation or imply a ranking.
07
PLAN A LARGER ORDER
Need Decanoic Acid in Bulk?
Turn your requirements into a clear supplier brief.
Bulk RFQ feature — coming soon. Prototype form: submissions are not currently sent to suppliers. Use sample details to prepare an on-screen brief.
Prepare a bulk request Prototype form
08
A BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Before You Buy Decanoic Acid
Selections remain only while this page is open.
09
FOR YOUR REFERENCE
Decanoic Acid Technical Reference
Identity, product reference properties, and handling context.
Identification Names, formula & identifiers
- Principal CAS
- 334-48-5
- Identity focus
- Free acid; solid at 20 °C
- Formula
- C₁₀H₂₀O₂
- Molecular weight
- 172.26 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- decanoic acid
- Connectivity SMILES
- CCCCCCCCCC(=O)O
- Identity SMILES
- CCCCCCCCCC(=O)O
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C10H20O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10(11)12/h2-9H2,1H3,(H,11,12)
- PubChem CID
- 2969
Connectivity SMILES describes connectivity; it is not an independent stereochemical assignment. CAS and product-form distinctions are supported by the supplier listings. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Physical Properties Product references & conditions
Solid at 20 °C; the commercial melting specification can span the transition to a liquid. Supplier volume packaging does not change the molecular identity or establish a density conversion. [13] [14] [5]
- Melting reference
- 304 ± 2 K (about 31 ± 2 °C); NIST average of 12 fusion values [13]
- Product melting range
- Merck analysis note: lower limit ≥29 °C, upper limit ≤33 °C [5]
Hydrate, concentration, stereoisomer, and temperature can change the relevant specification. Product reference data are not a reviewed lot certificate.
Acid/Base Properties Verified values & missing data
A numeric pKa was not verified for the selected identity in this review; no value is inferred. [2]
pKa: OMITTED. HSDB cites 4.90 to Barratt (1996) without sufficient solvent/temperature/method context in the retrieved entry. No condition-free number promoted. Water solubility: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB reports 0.015 g/100 g at 20 °C and 61.8 mg/L at 25 °C. These differ in temperature and mass versus volume basis, but neither difference establishes the cause of the magnitude discrepancy. Main numeric field omitted. Boiling behavior: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. NIST compiled boiling average is 530 ±60 K; Wako lists about 203 °C without pressure while HSDB gives 268.7 °C. Retrieved data do not establish a reduced-pressure explanation for 203 °C. Main boiling field omitted. Density: OMITTED. Solid-at-20 °C identity conflicts with unsupported conversion use of liquid-like supplier density at 20 °C. No mass-to-volume conversion; no universal density field.
Temperature, ionic strength, and the use of activities versus concentrations matter in quantitative work. These reference values are not buffer recipes.
Safety at a Glance Product-specific hazards
TCI D0017 identifies skin irritation, serious eye damage and long-lasting aquatic harm. Merck 802169 lists skin and eye irritation and aquatic harm and identifies a combustible-solid storage class. Avoid describing decanoic acid as harmless because fatty-acid derivatives have familiar consumer uses. [4] [5] [6]
Hazard classifications can vary by concentration, product, supplier and jurisdiction. Review the SDS for the exact product before handling. This summary does not replace the SDS.
Supplier safety information and SDS retrieval (opens new tab)
A product-page safety classification is not verification of every regional SDS. Confirm product code, chemical form and current local document.
Review supplier documentation10
COMMON QUESTIONS
Decanoic Acid FAQ
What distinguishes Decanoic Acid?
Nine alkyl-chain carbons terminate in COOH. Capric acid is distinct from the eight-carbon caprylic acid and from caprate salts or esters. [1]
How does it differ from Octanoic Acid?
Decanoic acid has two more carbons than octanoic acid and a different fusion region. This affects whether material is solid under the specified handling conditions, as well as the identity of the resulting derivative. [7]
What must a buyer specify?
Specify capric acid CAS 334-48-5, GC versus acid-equivalent assay, water, other chain lengths and delivery form. TCI sells mass packages; Merck and Wako also list volume packages. Verify the filling basis directly and keep them Not compared. [4]
Are the listed products directly price-comparable?
No. The table retains differing grades, assay bases, forms, and markets. No normalized ranking or currency conversion is applied. [5]
What reference data still need checking?
pKa: OMITTED. HSDB cites 4.90 to Barratt (1996) without sufficient solvent/temperature/method context in the retrieved entry. No condition-free number promoted. Water solubility: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB reports 0.015 g/100 g at 20 °C and 61.8 mg/L at 25 °C. These differ in temperature and mass versus volume basis, but neither difference establishes the cause of the magnitude discrepancy. Main numeric field omitted. Boiling behavior: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. NIST compiled boiling average is 530 ±60 K; Wako lists about 203 °C without pressure while HSDB gives 268.7 °C. Retrieved data do not establish a reduced-pressure explanation for 203 °C. Main boiling field omitted. Density: OMITTED. Solid-at-20 °C identity conflicts with unsupported conversion use of liquid-like supplier density at 20 °C. No mass-to-volume conversion; no universal density field.
Can I request a bulk quote here?
The RFQ is a prototype that prepares an on-screen brief. Nothing is sent to suppliers. Confirm actual bulk terms directly with the supplier.
11
TRACE THE INFORMATION
Sources & Editorial Notes
Identity and compiled reference values are separated from supplier-specific specifications. Structural comparisons and buyer guidance are editorial interpretation. Sources were checked October 3, 2026; supplier information can change.
- PubChem · chemical identity (opens new tab)
Neutral molecular identity verified independently through PUG REST; CAS also checked on all selected supplier products.
- PubChem / HSDB · dissociation references (opens new tab)
No numeric field promoted: insufficient conditions or unresolved conflicting records.
- PubChem / HSDB · application references (opens new tab)
Attributed application records reviewed claim by claim. Free acid, intermediate, derivative and biological context are distinguished.
- TCI America · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- Sigma-Aldrich / Merck · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- FUJIFILM Wako · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- Octanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Primary structural comparison. Practical interpretation does not establish suitability.
- Nonanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Hexanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Heptanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Octanoic Acid · dissociation references (opens new tab)
Only independently reviewed values are promoted into the comparison; no condition-free acidity ranking.
- OpenStax · Carboxylic-acid structure and properties (opens new tab)
General carboxylate resonance, acidity and structural interpretation; not authority for this acid’s quantitative constants.
- NIST · phase-change data (opens new tab)
Compiled fusion and boiling data; original references and uncertainties retained.
- PubChem / HSDB · attributed physical references (opens new tab)
Individual references reviewed; numerical fields selected or omitted with conditions and conflict dispositions.
Review limits
pKa: OMITTED. HSDB cites 4.90 to Barratt (1996) without sufficient solvent/temperature/method context in the retrieved entry. No condition-free number promoted. Water solubility: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB reports 0.015 g/100 g at 20 °C and 61.8 mg/L at 25 °C. These differ in temperature and mass versus volume basis, but neither difference establishes the cause of the magnitude discrepancy. Main numeric field omitted. Boiling behavior: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. NIST compiled boiling average is 530 ±60 K; Wako lists about 203 °C without pressure while HSDB gives 268.7 °C. Retrieved data do not establish a reduced-pressure explanation for 203 °C. Main boiling field omitted. Density: OMITTED. Solid-at-20 °C identity conflicts with unsupported conversion use of liquid-like supplier density at 20 °C. No mass-to-volume conversion; no universal density field.
This informational prototype is not a supplier, quotation service, or endorsement of a product’s fitness for an application. Buyers should verify the applicable specification, certification, and regulatory requirements for their intended use.