Capric acid sodium salt
[CAS# 1002-62-6]

Identification

• Classification: Analytical chemistry >> Food safety >> Fatty acid, fatty acid methyl ester
• Name: Capric acid sodium salt
• Synonyms: Sodium caprate; Sodium caprinate; Sodium decanoate
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₉O₂.Na
• Molecular Weight: 194.25
• CAS Registry Number: 1002-62-6
• EC Number: 213-688-4
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCC(=O)[O-].[Na+]

Properties

• Densidy: 1.4 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: 355 °C^* (Expl.)

^* Vorlander, D.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412

Discovery and Applications

Capric acid sodium salt, also known as sodium decanoate, is the sodium salt of decanoic acid, a ten-carbon saturated fatty acid. This compound is notable for its amphiphilic properties, which combine a hydrophilic ionic head and a hydrophobic alkyl chain. These characteristics make it a versatile substance in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and biological applications.

The discovery of capric acid sodium salt emerged from early investigations into fatty acids and their salts, which sought to understand their surface activity and emulsifying properties. The synthesis of sodium decanoate is typically achieved by neutralizing decanoic acid with sodium hydroxide under aqueous conditions. This straightforward process has enabled its large-scale production for diverse uses.

One of the primary applications of capric acid sodium salt is as a surfactant. Its ability to reduce surface tension and stabilize emulsions makes it a critical ingredient in cleaning agents, cosmetics, and food emulsifiers. The hydrophobic decyl chain interacts with nonpolar substances, while the hydrophilic sodium carboxylate group interacts with water, enabling the formation of micelles. This property is particularly valuable in formulations for detergents and shampoos.

In the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, sodium decanoate has gained attention for its potential as a drug delivery agent. Its amphiphilic nature facilitates the encapsulation and transport of hydrophobic drugs within micelles or liposomal systems. Furthermore, it is investigated for its role in enhancing the permeability of drug molecules across biological membranes, thus improving bioavailability.

Capric acid sodium salt also finds application in antimicrobial formulations. The compound demonstrates inhibitory effects against certain bacterial and fungal species, attributed to the disruption of microbial cell membranes by the hydrophobic decyl chain. These properties make it a candidate for use in preservative systems and topical antimicrobial treatments.

Beyond its functional applications, sodium decanoate is of interest in research related to metabolic disorders. Decanoic acid, the parent compound, is known for its ketogenic properties and is studied for potential therapeutic roles in conditions such as epilepsy. Sodium decanoate has been explored as a more soluble and manageable form for these applications.

While the compound offers significant benefits, its handling requires care to avoid irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. Its use in consumable products necessitates stringent quality controls to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The ongoing research into capric acid sodium salt aims to uncover new applications and optimize its performance in existing uses. Its combination of functional versatility and relative ease of production ensures its continued relevance in industrial and scientific advancements.

References

Herman J. C. Berendsen. Concluding remarks, Faraday Discuss., 2010, 144, 467.