Sodium Heptanoate (CAS 10051-45-3)

Sodium Heptanoate, with the CAS number 10051-45-3, is the sodium salt of heptanoic acid, a medium-chain fatty acid. This compound is characterized by a seven-carbon chain terminating in a carboxylate group that is ionically bonded to a sodium ion. Sodium Heptanoate is primarily used in various research applications due to its solubility in water and its ionic nature, which makes it useful for studying interactions in biochemical systems. In research contexts, this chemical serves as a model to investigate the behavior of fatty acid salts in aqueous environments, providing insights into the properties of surfactants and their role in reducing surface and interfacial tension. This property is particularly relevant in studies focused on the formation of micelles, which are critical for applications in cleaning agents and in methodologies for encapsulating and delivering hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solutions. Sodium Heptanoate is also utilized in the field of environmental science, where it helps in understanding the biodegradation processes of fatty acids in natural waters and soils, thus contributing to assessments of bioremediation techniques. Furthermore, due to its straightforward molecular structure, it is employed in educational settings to demonstrate fundamental principles of organic chemistry and ionic interactions, making it a versatile tool in both experimental and applied chemistry.