Substance profile
Heptanoic Acid
Heptanoic Acid is a clear oily liquid with a disagreeable, rancid odor; faint tallow-like odor when spectroscopically pure.
01 · Identification
What Heptanoic Acid is
Heptanoic Acid is a clear oily liquid with a disagreeable, rancid odor; faint tallow-like odor when spectroscopically pure. Its molecular formula is C7H14O2 and its molecular weight is 130.18 g/mol. It boils at 222 °C, melts at -7.2 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Heptanoic Acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 222.2 °C (432 °F) | HSDB | |
| 223 °C (433.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 222.2 °C (432 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -7.17 °C (19.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -8.89 °C (16 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -7.5 °C (18.5 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.9 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.9181 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.92 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | SOL IN ACETONE, NITRIC ACID | HSDB | |
| Slightyl soluble in carbon tetrachloride; soluble in acetone | HSDB | ||
| In water, 2.82X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0098 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 0.0107 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.0056 mmHg | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Flash point | 110 °C (230 °F) | open cup | HSDB |
| 93.33 °C (200 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 112.78 °C (235 °F) | above this value | CAMEO | |
| Autoignition temperature | 380 °C (716 °F) | HSDB | |
| 255 °C (491 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.1 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Combustible | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10.1 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Odor threshold | Aroma threshold values: Detection: 640 ppb to 10.4 ppm. | HSDB | |
| The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s." Odor threshold (detection) = 640 ppb to 10.4 ppm | Haz-Map | ||
| Corrosivity | Corrosive | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Heptanoic Acid
Storage conditions
Separated from bases, food and feedstuffs.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Heptanoic Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →