Methyl Caproate

Brief Overview

Methyl caproate also known as methyl hexanoate is a fatty acid methyl ester that has a molecular formula of C₇H₁₄O₂. The compound is very hydrophobic and insoluble in inorganic solvent (water). Methyl Caproate has a fruity flavor that is naturally found in strawberries, grapes, melon, pineapples, plums, raspberries, potatoes, etc. In room temperature, methyl caproate is a colorless liquid that is insoluble in aqueous water. Methyl Caproate has a fruity flavor that is naturally found in strawberries, grapes, melon, etc. At room temperature, methyl caproate is a colorless liquid that is insoluble in aqueous water.

Manufacturing Process

Methyl caproate is fabricated by the esterification process between caproic acid and methanol at 130°C – 140°C temperature with the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid. An additional method is possible by isolating methyl caproate from the esterification process between triglycerides/fatty acids and methanol via vacuum distillation. The distillation allows methyl caproate to be purified at a desired concentration. As methyl caproate has a higher boiling point, the rest of the impurities are evaporated and the purified chemical compound is collected.

Food Applications

The fruity odor of the compound is used as a flavoring agent in food. The additive allows the flavor of food to be improved to produce high quality food products. Intermediate for caproic acid detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, stabilizers, resins, lubricants, plasticizers, flavoring.

Cleaning Applications

Methyl Caproate is used as a surfactant and emulsifier agent used as an intermediate of caproic acid detergents. Methyl caproate are broken down by hydrolysis to release caproic acid. The produced caproic acid is a surfactant that prevents oil and water from separating. Therefore, stains dissolve in oil are removed from clothing due to the presence of the chemical compound.

Plasticizers

Plasticizers is chemical additives that allows to soften a material and increase it’s plasticizing properties. The plasticizing properties of methyl caproate helps to adjust the hardness of product.

Lubricants

The high viscosity of methyl caproate allows the compound to be used in industrial machinery. The lubricating properties of methyl caproate reduce the mechanical friction of machines and improve heat dissipation.