Octanoic acid

Caprylic acid (from the Latin word capra, meaning "goat"), also known under the systematic name octanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid, and a carboxylic acid, with the structural formula CH₃(CH₂)₆CO₂H. Classified as a carboxylic acid, it is a colorless oily liquid that is minimally soluble in water with a slightly unpleasant rancid-like smell and taste. Salts and esters of octanoic acid are known as octanoates or caprylates. It is a common industrial chemical, which is produced by oxidation of the C8 aldehyde. Its compounds are found naturally in the milk of various mammals, and as a minor constituent of coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

Two other acids are named after goats via the Latin word capra: caproic acid (C6) and capric acid (C10). Along with caprylic acid (C8) these total 15% in goat milk fat.