Caprylic acid, also known under the systematic name octanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid, medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), and carboxylic acid. It has the structural formula CH3(CH2)6CO2H, and 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.