Hexanoic Acid

Hexanoic Acid, also known as Caproic Acid, is a fatty acid found in various animal fats and plant oils. It has a rancid, cheesy smell that can be quite pungent but, when used in extremely low concentrations, it can add depth and complexity to fragrances, contributing to more nuanced and layered scent profiles.

Rarely used in high concentrations due to its potent odor, it is occasionally added in trace amounts to complex fragrance blends to introduce an element of surprise or to enhance the base notes, providing richness and depth.

IUPAC Name: hexanoic acid
CAS Number: 142-62-1
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₂O₂
Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol
Boiling Point: 396 to 397 °F (202 to 203 °C)
Melting Point: -3 °C (27 °F)
Use/s: Scent
Synonyms
1: HEXANOIC ACID 2: Caproic acid 3: n-Caproic acid 4: n-Hexanoic acid 5: Capronic acid 6: Butylacetic acid 7: Pentylformic acid 8: 1-Hexanoic acid 9: Hexoic acid
Chemist Says
Caproic acid appears as a white crystalline solid or colorless to light yellow solution with an unpleasant odor. Insoluble to slightly soluble in water and less dense than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make perfumes.
Scent: Cheesy, Sweat-like
Scent profile
Scent profiles are inherently subjective and can significantly differ among individuals, and may also be influenced by the conditions at the time of evaluation. The information provided here is a synthesis of data from diverse sources, including books, cross-references, artificial intelligence analyses, and chemical research sites, aiming to present a comprehensive overview. We've distilled this information to highlight the most frequently observed scent profiles for each molecule or compound, offering a generalized perspective.

1: Rancid, Cheesy
2: Characteristic goat-like odor