Industrial and commercial use Caprylic acid is used commercially in the production of
esters used in perfumery and also in the manufacture of dyes. The
acyl chloride of caprylic acid is used in the synthesis of
perfluorooctanoic acid. Caprylic acid is an antimicrobial pesticide used as a food contact surface sanitizer in commercial food handling establishments on dairy equipment, food processing equipment, breweries, wineries, and beverage processing plants. It is also used as disinfectant in health care facilities and public places. Caprylic acid is used as an algicide, bactericide, fungicide, and herbicide in nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and interiors, and on ornamentation. Products containing caprylic acid are formulated as soluble concentrate/liquids and ready-to-use liquids.
Dietary uses Caprylic acid is taken as a
dietary supplement. In the body, caprylic acid would be found as octanoate, or unprotonated caprylic acid. Some studies have shown that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can help in the process of excess calorie burning, and thus
weight loss; however, a systematic review of the evidence concluded that the overall results are inconclusive. Interest in MCTs has been shown by endurance athletes and the
bodybuilding community, but MCTs have not been found to be beneficial to exercise performance. ==See also==