In natural fats, saturated acids of a normal structure are most often found. Their physical properties depend on molecular weight. These acids are able to form eutectic mixtures - alloys with a constant melting point, which makes it impossible to separate them into separate components even during the process of recrystallization.
It is also worth noting that these acids dissolve in almost all organic solvents, including diethyl ether, acetone or chloroform. In addition, they are quite resistant to various reagents (oxidizing agents, halogens or other compounds). The main representatives of this group of chemical compounds are butyric, caprylic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, caproic acid, etc. The structure of most acids that are found in natural fats has a specific feature - they have an even number of carbon atoms.
Caproic acid is a prominent representative of saturated fatty acids. It is an oily liquid without color, which is characterized by a sharp unpleasant odor. It is part of coconut, palm, and cow butter.
Caproic acid can be excreted from nitrile, as well as due to the oxidation of normal hexanol or castor oil. This compound is also formed by sugar fermentation in the presence of rotten cheese. It is a by-product of this reaction. In addition, caproic acid can form when exposed to streptococci. For its extraction, it is recommended to fractionate crude butyric acid with washing with water.
I must say that a large number of salts of this substance are known. Its essential oils are characterized by a pleasant fruity smell, so they are successfully used as essences.
It is also worth mentioning the role of saturated fatty acids as technological additives to rubber, which strengthen its structure and contribute to the emergence of new properties. So, during the study of the strength of rubbers at breaks, it was found that with the addition of caproic acid it is possible to achieve the greatest uniformity of this material. Moreover, the use of a low molecular form of this compound caused the least resistance to premature vulcanization, which indicates a high activity of this acid.
In the field of cosmetology, glycolic acid is often used, which has the lowest molecular weight of all alpha hydro acids. This allows this substance to easily penetrate the epidermal barrier.
Glycolic acid, which you can buy at the pharmacy, has been successfully used to reduce pigmentation and to conduct deep peeling. It is worth noting that it also perfectly eliminates small wrinkles, making the skin of the face smoother and more elastic, since it causes more intensive synthesis of collagen and also causes active cell growth.
Given these effects, it is glycolic acid that is widely used in the field of cosmetology. The price of skin care products that contain this compound are quite affordable. This becomes the reason for the widespread use of various creams and lotions based on this acid, especially among women with problematic or aging skin.