Heptanoic acid

Heptanoic acid, or C7:0 also known as enanthic acid or heptylic acid, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as medium-chain fatty acids. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are fatty acids with aliphatic tails of 6 to 12 carbons, which can form medium-chain triglycerides Heptanoic acid is an oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. It contributes to the odor of some rancid oils. It is slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in ethanol and ether. Its name derives from the Latin oenanthe which is in turn derived from the Ancient Greek oinos "wine" and anthos "blossom." Heptanoic acid is used in the preparation of esters, such as ethyl enanthate, which are used in fragrances and as artificial flavors. The triglyceride ester of heptanoic acid is the triheptanoin, which is used in certain medical conditions as a nutritional supplement.

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