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Chemical Name: N-Hexanoic Acid
Synonyms: Caproic acid
CAS Number: 142-62-1
Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
Appearance: Clear to slightly yellow liquid, giving off a strong, unpleasant, sour odor
Main Use: Sits on the production lines of flavors, fragrances, food additives, and certain industrial manufacturing processes
Odor: Rancid, reminiscent of sweaty socks — hard to miss
GHS Classification: Skin irritation, Eye irritation, Harmful if swallowed
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion
Symptoms: Burns or irritation on skin, watery or red eyes, sore throat, abdominal pain or vomiting if swallowed
Fire Risk: Combustible; explosive vapors possible above flash point
Environmental Risk: Toxic to aquatic life, can cause damage to water bodies if released in quantity
N-Hexanoic Acid Content: Usually high purity, often above 98% in lab or commercial forms
Impurities: Lower-chain fatty acids as trace contaminants, sometimes present as by-products from processing
Skin Contact: Rinse affected area under running water, remove contaminated clothing, use soap if possible
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with clean water, lifting eyelids occasionally, seek medical help if irritation sticks around
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, relax breathing, get medical attention if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious, never try to induce vomiting, get medical assistance without delay
Note for Responders: Symptoms can be delayed, keep the person calm, check for signs of discomfort such as shortness of breath, irritation, or upset stomach
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam
Unsuitable Media: Water jets often ineffective, risk of splattering
Combustion Products: Releases acrid smoke, carbon oxides on burning
Special Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus for responders
Advice During Fire: Cool sealed containers exposed to heat, attack fire from upwind
Personal Precautions: Ventilate space, avoid breathing the vapors, keep away from skin and eyes, wear protective gear
Spill Response: Absorb spills with sand or vermiculite, use non-sparking tools to collect, dispose of waste following regulations
Environmental Precautions: Keep out of drains, sewers, waterways, prevent massive leaks from reaching the soil or water sources
Handling: Keep containers sealed, work in a ventilated spot or use fume hoods, avoid direct contact as much as practical
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidisers and ignition sources
Incompatibilities: Strong bases, strong oxidizers, acyl chlorides
Advice for Workers: Wash hands before eating, don’t breathe the vapors, ensure containers are clearly marked
Engineering Controls: Use exhaust ventilation, local fume capture, or splash guards
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, apron
Respiratory Protection: If vapor is likely, use an appropriate respirator
Workplace Monitoring: Regular air sampling in industrial processes reduces the risk of overexposure
Boiling Point: Around 205°C
Melting Point: About -3°C
Flash Point: Circa 69°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, mixes well with common solvents like ethanol and ether
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: About 0.93 grams per milliliter
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low concentrations due to its distinctiveness
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under recommended storage and normal temperatures
Incompatible Substances: Strong oxidizers like nitric acid, sodium hypochlorite, bases such as potassium hydroxide
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide fumes release in a fire
Hazardous Polymerization: Doesn’t tend to polymerize under store-bought or lab conditions
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Effects: Local irritation — burning of skin, red watery eyes, cough if vapors are inhaled, nausea if ingested
Chronic Exposure: Repeated exposure can lead to dermatitis, respiratory or gastrointestinal irritation
Experimental Data: High-dose exposure in lab animals caused stomach and respiratory tract irritation
Occupational Limit: No widely recognized TWA or STEL set for most workplaces, so basic industrial hygiene practices go a long way
Aquatic Toxicity: Can harm fish and aquatic organisms at moderate concentrations
Persistence: Breaks down in the environment with time, but large spills may impact water bodies for days
Bioaccumulation: Not a big risk due to the compound’s natural breakdown, but always better to limit release
Soil Mobility: Tends to stay where spilled but can seep deep if water runs across a contaminated surface
Waste Handling: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, send to authorized incineration or chemical disposal
Container Disposal: Empty containers come with residue risks, so rinse and treat before recycling or discarding
Best Practice: Never pour down the drain — compliance with local and national disposal rules is a must
UN Number: 2821 (Caproic acid, if transported as a bulk chemical)
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid
Packing Group: III, meaning it presents a moderate risk
Special Transport Advice: Keep upright, well-sealed, with hazard labels visible, never ship with incompatible substances
Classification: Listed under various chemical inventory systems around the globe
Labeling: Warning labels required in labs or anywhere workers might encounter it
Restrictions: Handling or sale comes with record-keeping and disposal rules in most regions
Employer Obligations: Safety training, hazard communication, access to data sheets for those on-site
