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octanoic acid

Octanoic acid, also known as caprylic acid, is a fatty acid with eight carbons.

Chemical Formula: C₈H₁₈

Other names: sweat, 8-Amino-octanoic acid

Layman's explanation: The name caprylic acid was taken from the latin word "caper" which means goat. This compound is a colorless oil manufactured from 1-heptene or 1-octanol. Octanoic acid has an unpleasant rancid taste. When converted from the carboxlic acid to an ester, it has a pleasant taste. In addition, esters of caprylic acid are used in the preparation of dyes, perfumes, and food preservatives. This compound has also been found to have antifungal activity and is used to treat yeast infections.

Keywords: yeast infections, preservative, perfume, dye

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