Known by the systematic name octanoic acid, Caprylic Acid is a type of beneficial saturated medium-chain fatty acid with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, whose compounds are found naturally in the breast milk of various mammals, coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It is an oily liquid with a slightly unpleasant rancid-like smell and taste that is minimally soluble in water.
It is widely applied in various fields, one of which is used as an antimicrobial pesticide, in which it serves as a food contact surface sanitizer in commercial food handling establishments on dairy equipment, food processing equipment, breweries, wineries, and beverage processing plants. Besides, Caprylic acid is used commercially in the manufacture of esters used in perfumery and in the production of dyes. It is also used as an algaecide, bactericide, and fungicide in nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and interiorscapes on ornamentals. Some studies have shown that Caprylic acid is effective to excess calorie burning taken as a dietary supplement, resulting in weigh loss.
