OCTANOIC ACID
New specifications prepared at 63rd JECFA (2004) and published in FNP 52 Add 12 (2004). Small residues of octanoic acid on food (which has
been treated with antimicrobial washing solutions) at the time of consumption would not pose a safety concern (63rd JECFA, 2004).
SYNONYMS Caprylic acid
DEFINITION Octanoic acid is manufactured from vegetable oils (coconut, palm, kernel, or palm stearene) by first refining the oil, followed by methyl
transesterification and separation by distillation. The separated methyl octanoate is saponified and acidified to give octanoic acid.
Chemical name Octanoic acid
C.A.S. number 124-07-2
Chemical formula CH3(CH2)6CO2H
Formula weight 144.21
Assay Not less than 95%
DESCRIPTION Colourless oily liquid having a slight unpleasant odour
FUNCTIONAL USES Antifoaming agent, surfactant. (Material for use as a flavouring agent is
specified in FNP 52 Add 5, JECFA No. 99).
