What Is Caprylic-Capric Acid Blend? Composition, Properties, and Uses
- Caprylic-capric acid blend is a mixture of two medium-chain fatty acids, caprylic acid (C8:0) and capric acid (C10:0), obtained from fractionation of coconut oil and palm kernel oil.[1]
- The blend contains 53–63% caprylic acid and 36–47% capric acid, with CAS number 68937-75-7 and average molecular weight 154–158 g/mol.[2]
- It is a clear to pale yellow oily liquid with freezing point 0–10 °C, lower than pure caprylic acid (16.5 °C) or pure capric acid (31.5 °C).[3]
- The blend is a main feedstock for medium-chain triglyceride (MCT oil), cosmetic emollients, polyol ester lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors.[1][2]
- It is used as an intermediate for MCT, glycerol esters, polyol esters, amines, fatty alcohols, metal soap, and surfactants.[3]
Caprylic-capric acid blend is a medium-chain fatty acid mixture that is a key feedstock for the MCT oil and cosmetics industries. Its low freezing point and ability to form liquid esters make it a versatile oleochemical.
Table of contents
What Is Caprylic-Capric Acid Blend?
Caprylic-capric acid blend is a mixture of two saturated medium-chain fatty acids: caprylic acid (octanoic acid, C8:0) and capric acid (decanoic acid, C10:0). The blend is obtained from fractionation of lauric oils such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil.[1]
The product is also known as C8-C10 fatty acid, octanoic-decanoic acid blend, or CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC ACID with CAS 68937-75-7. It is a clear to pale yellow oily liquid with a mild characteristic odor, and is used as the main source of MCT oil derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.[2][4][5]
Caprylic-capric acid must be distinguished from caprylic/capric triglyceride (MCT oil). Caprylic-capric acid is a free fatty acid blend, whereas MCT oil is a triglyceride produced by esterifying this blend with glycerol.[1][3]
Composition and Properties
Blend composition varies with customer specification but generally contains 53–63% caprylic acid and 36–47% capric acid. This ratio determines the physical and chemical properties of the end product.[2]
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Caprylic acid (C8:0) | 53–63% |
| Capric acid (C10:0) | 36–47% |
| Caproic acid (C6:0) | Max. 0.5–1.0% |
| Lauric acid (C12:0) | Max. 1.0–1.5% |
| Average molecular weight | 154–158 g/mol |
| Acid value | 354–370 mg KOH/g |
| Freezing point (titer) | 0–10 °C |
| Form | Clear to pale yellow liquid |
Production
Caprylic-capric acid blend is produced by hydrolysis of coconut oil or palm kernel oil, followed by fractional distillation that separates and recombines C8 and C10 fractions to the desired proportions.[2]
Mixing C8 and C10 gives an industrial advantage because the freezing point is lower than for pure fatty acids. Blends at roughly 60:40 or 55:45 have freezing point 2–7 °C, so they remain liquid at room temperature.[3]
Higher caprylic acid content lowers viscosity and pour point of resulting esters, raises acid value, and improves calcium tolerance in metalworking fluids.[3]
Uses
Caprylic-capric acid blend is the main feedstock for medium-chain triglyceride (MCT oil). The blend is reacted with vegetable glycerol by esterification to produce MCT oil used in nutrition, food, and pharmaceuticals.[1][3]
In cosmetics, the blend is used as emollient, emulsifier base, and antimicrobial agent in lotions, creams, facial cleansers, and hair care products. Derivatives such as coco-caprylate/caprate give a soft skin feel, and other derivatives include glycerol esters, amines, peroxides, metal soap, and surfactants.[2][3]
In industry, the blend is used to make polyol ester lubricants, amine-carboxylate corrosion inhibitors, low-foam food surface sanitizers, contact herbicides, and soap and surfactant intermediates.[1][2]
Summary
Caprylic-capric acid blend is 53–63% caprylic acid (C8:0) and 36–47% capric acid (C10:0) from fractionation of coconut and palm kernel oil. The product is liquid with freezing point 0–10 °C and is used as MCT oil feedstock, cosmetic emollient, polyol ester lubricant, corrosion inhibitor, food sanitizer, and soap and surfactant intermediate.
References
- Ataman Chemicals. Caprylic/Capric Acid (C8-C10 Fatty Acid) — properties and applications. https://www.atamanchemicals.com/caprylic-capric-acid_u39962/?lang=EN
- Chemical Bull. Caprylic Capric Acid (CAS 68937-75-7) — composition and uses. https://www.chemicalbull.com/products/caprylic-capric-acid
- Acme-Hardesty. Caprylic/Capric Acid (C810) — product information. https://www.acme-hardesty.com/product/capryliccapric-acid-c810/
- Ataman Kimya. Caprylic Capric Acid — industrial applications. https://www.atamanchemicals.com/caprylic-capric-acid_u30794/?lang=RU
- Laballey. Types of MCT Oil — caprylic and capric acid in MCT. https://www.laballey.com/blog/types-of-mct-oil