What is "decanoic acid"

Capric \Cap"ric\, a. [L. caper goat.] (Chem.) Of or pertaining to capric acid or its derivatives. Capric acid (also called decanoic acid), C9H19.CO.OH, Caprylic acid (also called octanoic acid), C7H15.CO2.H, and Caproic acid (also called hexanoic acid), C5H1

1. CO

2. H, are fatty acids occurring in small quantities in butter, cocoanut oil, etc., united with glycerin; they are colorless oils, or white crystalline solids, of an unpleasant odor like that of goats or sweat. [1913 Webster] ||

n. (context fatty acid English) capric acid

n. a fatty acid found in animal oils and fats; has an unpleasant smell resembling goats [syn: capric acid]

Decanoic acid (capric acid) is a saturated fatty acid. Its formula is CH(CH)COOH. Salts and esters of decanoic acid are called decanoates or "caprates". The term capric acid is derived from the Latin "caper / capra" (goat) because the sweaty, unpleasant smell of the compound is reminiscent of goats.