Decanoic acid is a type of carboxylic acid. Its formula is CH₃(CH₂)₈COOH. It is also known as capric acid. Salts and esters of decanoic acid are called decanoates.

It is used in organic synthesis and industrially in the manufacture of perfumes, lubricants, greases, rubber, dyes, plastics, food additives and pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceuticals

Decanoate salts and esters of various drugs are available. Since decanoic acid is a fatty acid, forming a salt or ester with a drug will increase its lipophilicity and its affinity for fatty tissue. Since distribution of a drug from fatty tissue is usually slow, one may develop a long-acting injectable form of a drug (called a Depot injection) by using its decanoate form. Some examples of drugs available as a decanoate ester or salt include nandrolone, fluphenazine, bromperidol, haloperidol and vanoxerine.

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