Heptanoic Acid (Enanthic Acid)
Manufactured by Nova Industries
Nova Industries manufactures high-purity Heptanoic Acid, a linear C-7 saturated fatty acid derived from renewable Castor Oil.
While naturally occurring in small quantities, industrial-scale production is achieved through the oxidative conversion of Heptaldehyde. This short-chain fatty acid is a critical building block for high-performance synthetic lubricants (Polyol Esters), corrosion inhibitors, and pharmaceutical
1. The Manufacturing Process
Nova Industries employs a sophisticated two-stage chemical process to ensure high yield and purity.
Stage 1: Pyrolysis (Cracking)
- Feedstock: Castor Oil (Ricinoleic Acid).
- Process: The oil is subjected to high-temperature pyrolysis in the presence of a radical initiator (0.5% Benzoyl Peroxide).
- Reaction: The ricinoleic acid molecule cleaves at the C-11/C-12 bond.1$$Ricinoleic \ Acid \xrightarrow{\Delta} Heptaldehyde \ (C_7) + Undecylenic \ Acid \ (C_{11})$$
- Optimization: Operating parameters are strictly controlled to maximize the yield of the C-7 and C-11 fragments while minimizing polymerization.
Stage 2: Oxidation
- Feedstock: The Heptaldehyde recovered from Stage 1.
- Process: Liquid-phase oxidation using Oxygen as the oxidizing agent.
- Reaction: The aldehyde group ($-CHO$) is oxidized to a carboxylic acid group ($-COOH$).$$CH_3(CH_2)_5CHO + \frac{1}{2}O_2 \rightarrow CH_3(CH_2)_5COOH$$
- Result: The crude acid is distilled to produce pure Heptanoic Acid.
2. Key Industrial Applications
Synthetic Lubricants (Aviation & Auto)
This is the single largest application for Heptanoic Acid.
- Polyol Esters (POEs): It is esterified with polyols (like Neopentyl Glycol or Pentaerythritol) to create high-performance synthetic esters.2
- Performance: These esters offer exceptional thermal stability, low viscosity at low temperatures, and clean burn characteristics. They are the base fluids for Aviation Turbine Oils and eco-friendly refrigeration lubricants.3
Corrosion Inhibitors
- Coolants: Salts of Heptanoic Acid are used as non-toxic corrosion inhibitors in automotive engine coolants and aqueous hydraulic fluids.
Fragrance & Flavors
- Esters: Used to synthesize esters like Ethyl Heptanoate (Grape/Cognac note) and Propyl Heptanoate, widely used in the flavor industry.4
3. Technical Specifications (TDS)
Nova Industries guarantees a high-purity product suitable for esterification.
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
| Product Name | Heptanoic Acid (Enanthic Acid) | — |
| CAS Number | 111-14-8 | — |
| Formula | $C_7H_{14}O_2$ | — |
| Appearance | Clear, Colorless Oily Liquid | Visual |
| Purity (GC) | 98.5% Min | Gas Chromatography |
| Acid Value | 425 – 435 mg KOH/g | ISO 660 |
| Specific Gravity @ 20°C | 0.915 – 0.920 | — |
| Refractive Index @ 20°C | 1.421 – 1.425 | — |
| Moisture | 0.2% Max | Karl Fischer |
| Color (APHA) | 20 Max | ISO 6271 |
| Boiling Point | 223°C | — |
| Melting Point | -7.5°C | — |
| Odor | Characteristic (Rancid/Fatty) | — |
Packaging & Storage
- Packaging: 190 Kg HDPE Drums / 200 Kg Epoxy-Lined Steel Drums / ISO Tanks.
- Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area. The product is corrosive to mild steel; use stainless steel or lined containers.
For Technical Data Sheets & Samples:
Nova Industries
Website: https://novaind.in/