Caproic acid

 ( Fatty Acids ) 

Caproic acid, also known as hexanoic acid, is the carboxylic acid derived from hexane with the chemical formula . It is a colorless oily liquid with a fatty, cheesy, waxy odor resembling that of or other barnyard . It is a fatty acid found naturally in various animal and , and is one of the chemicals that gives the decomposing fleshy seed coat of the Ginkgo biloba its characteristic unpleasant odor. It is also one of the components of vanilla and cheese. The primary use of caproic acid is in the manufacture of its for use as artificial flavors, and in the manufacture of hexyl derivatives, such as Alkylphenol. Carboxylate salt and of caproic acid are known as caproates or hexanoates. Several progestin medications are caproate esters, such as hydroxyprogesterone caproate and gestonorone caproate.

Two other acids are named after goats: caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). Along with caproic acid, they account for 15% of the fat in goat's milk.

Caproic, caprylic, and capric acids (capric is a crystal- or wax-like substance, whereas the other two are mobile liquids) are not only used for the formation of esters, but also commonly used "neat" in: butter, milk, cream, strawberry, bread, beer, nut, and other flavors.

• List of carboxylic acids
• List of saturated fatty acids
• Caproate fermentation