Methyl hexanoate is the fatty acid methyl esterofhexanoic acid (caproic acid), a colourless liquid organic compound with the chemical formula CH3−(CH2)4−COO−CH3. It is found naturally in many foods and has a role as a plant metabolite. It can also be found in the cytoplasm of cells.[1]
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| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name
Methyl hexanoate | |
Other names
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| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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| 1744683 | |
| ChEBI | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.115 
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| EC Number |
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PubChem CID |
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| UNII | |
| UN number | 1993 |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties[1] | |
| C7H14O2 | |
| Molar mass | 130.187 g·mol−1 |
| Density | 0.8846 |
| Melting point | −71.0 °C (−95.8 °F; 202.2 K) |
| Boiling point | 149.5 °C (301.1 °F; 422.6 K) |
| 1.33 mg/mL at 20 °C | |
| Solubility | ethanol |
Refractive index (nD) |
1.4049 |
| Related compounds | |
Related compounds |
Ethyl hexanoate, Propyl hexanoate, Butyl hexanoate |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling: | |
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| Warning | |
| H226 | |
| P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P280, P303+P361+P353, P370+P378, P403+P235, P501 | |
| Flash point | 73 °C; 163 °F; 346 K |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Methyl hexanoate is produced industrially for use as a flavouring agent.[2][3] It can also be used as fragrance for a pineapple smell.[4]
Methyl hexanoate is produced in multi-tonne quantities for use as a flavouring agent.[3] It is made by combining methanol with hexanoic acid.[citation needed]
Methyl hexanoate is found naturally in foods like potatoes, tomatoes and cheese and is a constituent of some alcoholic beverages.[2] It can be used to mimic the flavorofpineapple like its related ester ethyl hexanoate.[4]
The LD50 for rats is more than 5 g/kg,[1] indicating low toxicity. When heated to decomposition, methyl hexanoate emits toxic fumes. It can cause burns.
Methyl hexanoate is flammable. It has a flash point of 163 °F (73 °C).[1]