Chemical synthesis
Compiled industrial sources describe the acid in synthesis of fragrance and other specialty chemicals. [3]
01
THE ESSENTIALS
Octanoic Acid in 30 Seconds
One carboxyl group is joined to a seven-carbon alkyl chain. Caprylic acid is not capric acid: capric acid has ten carbons.
Octanoic acid, or caprylic acid, is an eight-carbon saturated free acid. It can solidify in cool conditions, which matters when specifying a volume package. [1] [3]
Safety at a glance — TCI O0027 identifies severe skin burns and eye damage and possible corrosion of metals. Merck 800192 identifies corrosivity and long-lasting aquatic harm. A biological or food-related context for caprylic derivatives does not reduce the handling hazards of these raw products. [4] [5] [6]
A condensed structural formula keeps the functional groups visible. [1]
02
GO A LITTLE DEEPER
Understanding Octanoic Acid
THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
The functional groups
One carboxyl group is joined to a seven-carbon alkyl chain. Caprylic acid is not capric acid: capric acid has ten carbons. [1]
A LITTLE DEEPER
What the structure changes
The acid head group and nonpolar chain provide different contributions to phase and solution behavior. Conversion to octanoate salts changes charge and formulation behavior; the salt and free acid require separate identities and specifications. [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 Octanoic Acid Compares
Similar names and functional groups do not mean interchangeable chemicals.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Octanoic Acid vs Hexanoic Acid
Saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid
versusSaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid
Fixed comparison for this prototype. Acid selectors are disabled; additional comparisons are coming later.
| Property | Octanoic Acid | Hexanoic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₈H₁₆O₂ [1] | C₆H₁₂O₂ [7] |
| Molecular weight | 144.21 g/mol [1] | 116.16 g/mol [7] |
| Carbon atoms | 8 [1] | 6 [7] |
| Carboxyl groups | 1 [1] | 1 [7] |
| Structure | CH₃–(CH₂)₆–COOH [1] | CH₃–(CH₂)₄–COOH [7] |
| Chemical family | Saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [1] | Saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [7] |
| Identity focus | Free acid; liquid 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?
Choose the chain required by the target or published method. Octanoic acid’s transition near cool room temperatures is a practical handling consideration; confirm delivery form and supplier instructions before treating volume packages as equivalent. [1] [3] [7]
Specified starting material
Octanoic Acid
Match CH₃–(CH₂)₆–COOH and the method’s required chemical form.
Hexanoic Acid
Match CH₃–(CH₂)₄–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 Octanoic Acid Used For?
Chemical synthesis
Compiled industrial sources describe the acid in synthesis of fragrance and other specialty chemicals. The particular downstream molecule, rather than the free acid alone, determines finished-product suitability. [3]
Metal-octanoate precursors
Octanoic acid supplies the acid component of metal octanoates used as oxidation catalysts in drying-oil systems. That catalytic application belongs to the metal salt derivative, not to neat octanoic acid. [3]
06
SOURCE WITH CONTEXT
Octanoic Acid Suppliers
Compare specific products and package options. Listings are not ranked recommendations.
3 suppliers · 3 products · 6 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 caprylic acid CAS 124-07-2, assay basis, water and other fatty-acid impurities. Record whether the delivered product is liquid or solidified. Retain the supplier’s volume packages without using an assumed density to normalize prices.
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 AmericaOctanoic Acid | Named grade not statedO0027 · 25 mLFree acid; GC and neutralization titration are separate specifications where both are listed. | GC: minimum 98.0% Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0% | 25 mL | $25.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: TCI America
| View Product: TCI America, O0027 · 25 mL (opens new tab) | |
| Named grade not statedO0027 · 500 mLFree acid; GC and neutralization titration are separate specifications where both are listed. | GC: minimum 98.0% Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0% | 500 mL | $40.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: TCI America, O0027 · 500 mL (opens new tab) | |||
| Sigma-Aldrich / MerckOctanoic Acid | For synthesis8001920100The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred. | 99.0% minimum (GC area %, a/a) | 100 mL | $64.50USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
| View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 8001920100 (opens new tab) | |
| For synthesis8001921000The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred. | 99.0% minimum (GC area %, a/a) | 1 L | $146.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 8001921000 (opens new tab) | |||
| For synthesis8001922500The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred. | 99.0% minimum (GC area %, a/a) | 2.5 L | $172.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 8001922500 (opens new tab) | |||
| FUJIFILM WakoOctanoic Acid | Wako Special Grade156-01775Research / further manufacturing; Japan stock listing does not confirm US availability. Material can solidify in cool conditions; package volume is retained as listed. | 98.0+% (capillary GC) | 500 mL | $39.00USD · US catalog list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
| View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 156-01775 (opens new tab) |
TCI America
Octanoic Acid
Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0%
Named grade not stated
Free acid; GC and neutralization titration are separate specifications where both are listed.
25 mL
O0027 · 25 mL- Public price
- $25.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 mL
O0027 · 500 mL- Public price
- $40.00USD · 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
Octanoic Acid
For synthesis
The Analysis Note identifies GC area percentage. No mass-fraction equivalence is inferred.
100 mL
8001920100- Public price
- $64.50USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
1 L
8001921000- Public price
- $146.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
2.5 L
8001922500- Public price
- $172.00USD · 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
Octanoic Acid
Wako Special Grade
Research / further manufacturing; Japan stock listing does not confirm US availability. Material can solidify in cool conditions; package volume is retained as listed.
500 mL
156-01775- Public price
- $39.00USD · 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
Solubility: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. TCI 0.68 g/L at 20 °C and HSDB 789 mg/L at 30 °C differ in temperature. The direction is consistent with different conditions, but the evidence does not establish temperature as the sole cause; do not combine them into one constant. Thermal state: VERIFIED. NIST fusion average supports solidification in cooler conditions; liquid-at-20 °C supplier identity is retained. pKa: OMITTED. The compiled Dean entry reports 4.895 at 25 °C but the retrieved entry does not explicitly establish solvent, ionic strength or measurement method. No aqueous condition is inferred.
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 Octanoic 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 Octanoic Acid
Selections remain only while this page is open.
09
FOR YOUR REFERENCE
Octanoic Acid Technical Reference
Identity, product reference properties, and handling context.
Identification Names, formula & identifiers
- Principal CAS
- 124-07-2
- Identity focus
- Free acid; liquid at 20 °C
- Formula
- C₈H₁₆O₂
- Molecular weight
- 144.21 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- octanoic acid
- Connectivity SMILES
- CCCCCCCC(=O)O
- Identity SMILES
- CCCCCCCC(=O)O
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C8H16O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8(9)10/h2-7H2,1H3,(H,9,10)
- PubChem CID
- 379
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
Liquid at 20 °C, with solidification possible below its fusion region. Confirm the product handling instructions if it arrives solidified. [13] [14] [5]
- Melting reference
- 289.3 ± 0.7 K (16.2 ± 0.7 °C); NIST average of six fusion values [13]
- Boiling reference
- 510 ± 4 K (about 237 ± 4 °C); NIST compiled boiling-point average [13]
- Water solubility
- 789 mg/L at 30 °C; HSDB attribution to AQUASOL (1992) [14]
- Product density
- 0.91 g/cm³ at 20 °C; Merck 800192 product reference [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]
Solubility: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. TCI 0.68 g/L at 20 °C and HSDB 789 mg/L at 30 °C differ in temperature. The direction is consistent with different conditions, but the evidence does not establish temperature as the sole cause; do not combine them into one constant. Thermal state: VERIFIED. NIST fusion average supports solidification in cooler conditions; liquid-at-20 °C supplier identity is retained. pKa: OMITTED. The compiled Dean entry reports 4.895 at 25 °C but the retrieved entry does not explicitly establish solvent, ionic strength or measurement method. No aqueous condition is inferred.
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 O0027 identifies severe skin burns and eye damage and possible corrosion of metals. Merck 800192 identifies corrosivity and long-lasting aquatic harm. A biological or food-related context for caprylic derivatives does not reduce the handling hazards of these raw products. [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
Octanoic Acid FAQ
What distinguishes Octanoic Acid?
One carboxyl group is joined to a seven-carbon alkyl chain. Caprylic acid is not capric acid: capric acid has ten carbons. [1]
How does it differ from Hexanoic Acid?
Hexanoic acid has two fewer carbons. Their esters and salts therefore contain different acyl or anionic residues; a similar reagent label does not establish substitution in a lubricant, extraction system or formulation. [7]
What must a buyer specify?
Specify caprylic acid CAS 124-07-2, assay basis, water and other fatty-acid impurities. Record whether the delivered product is liquid or solidified. Retain the supplier’s volume packages without using an assumed density to normalize prices. [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?
Solubility: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. TCI 0.68 g/L at 20 °C and HSDB 789 mg/L at 30 °C differ in temperature. The direction is consistent with different conditions, but the evidence does not establish temperature as the sole cause; do not combine them into one constant. Thermal state: VERIFIED. NIST fusion average supports solidification in cooler conditions; liquid-at-20 °C supplier identity is retained. pKa: OMITTED. The compiled Dean entry reports 4.895 at 25 °C but the retrieved entry does not explicitly establish solvent, ionic strength or measurement method. No aqueous condition is inferred.
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.
- Hexanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Primary structural comparison. Practical interpretation does not establish suitability.
- Decanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Nonanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Heptanoic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Hexanoic 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
Solubility: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. TCI 0.68 g/L at 20 °C and HSDB 789 mg/L at 30 °C differ in temperature. The direction is consistent with different conditions, but the evidence does not establish temperature as the sole cause; do not combine them into one constant. Thermal state: VERIFIED. NIST fusion average supports solidification in cooler conditions; liquid-at-20 °C supplier identity is retained. pKa: OMITTED. The compiled Dean entry reports 4.895 at 25 °C but the retrieved entry does not explicitly establish solvent, ionic strength or measurement method. No aqueous condition is inferred.
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.