Chemical Properties
Methyl decanoate, a large methyl ester, is a clear colorless liquid. It can be used as a surrogate for the large methyl esters present in rapeseed and soybean derived biodiesel.
Uses
Methyl decanoate is employed as an intermediate for caproic acid, detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, stabilizers, resins, lubricants, plasticizers and flavouring. As a chemical intermediate for alkanolamides, fatty alcohols, and acids.
Definition
ChEBI: Methyl decanoate is a fatty acid methyl ester and a decanoate ester. It is a metabolite found in or produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Preparation
Methyl decanoate is prepared by esterification of capric acid with methanol or alcoholysis of coconut oil, purified by fractional vacuum distillation.
General Description
Methyl decanoate is reported to occur in parmesan cheese, sparkling wine and banana.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Purification Methods
Pass the ester through alumina before use and distil in a vacuum. [Beilstein 2 IV 1044.]
