As an organic compound, heptanoic acid is a seven-carbon linear chain saturated fatty acid with an unpleasant, rancid and pungent odor, which is commonly used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of esters for products, such as ethyl heptanoate, that are used in fragrances and artificial flavors. It is also applied in cosmetics for the production of emollients, skin conditioning agents as well as viscosity controlling agents. Besides, heptanoic acid can also act as a industrial lubricant applied in the fields of aviation, refrigeration, automobile, etc. due to its low viscosity at low temperature and low volatility at high temperature. Moreover, the good anti-corrosion property of heptanoic acid results in the usage of metalworking fluids, industrial water-based refrigerants and anti-corrosion additive for paint. Heptanoic acid is also applied to esterify steroids in the field of pharmaceutical to produce drugs such as testosterone enanthate, trenbolone enanthate, drostanolone enanthate, methenolone enanthate and it is also one of numerous additives in cigarettes.
