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538-23-8
futurechemical
538-23-8
Glycerol tricaprylate (tricaprylin) is a synthetic medium-chain triglyceride in which a glycerol backbone carries three caprylic (C8:0) acid chains — the purest, most precisely defined member of the MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) family. It is a clear, low-viscosity oily liquid with a light, non-greasy feel, and it is the MCT grade of choice wherever consistency and purity matter more than economy.
Because caprylic acid is absorbed and metabolized far faster than long-chain fats, tricaprylin serves three premium markets at once: as the non-greasy emollient and active-ingredient solvent of cosmetics, as a rapidly utilized energy source in sports nutrition and medical nutrition. One triglyceride, three fast-growing applications.
Core value propositions:
Cosmetics & Personal Care:
● a light, non-greasy emollient and solvent for lipophilic actives in skincare, makeup and sun-care;
Food & Sports Nutrition:
● a pure C8 MCT oil for rapid energy, ketogenic and medical nutrition applications;
Industrial & Specialty:
● a lubricant, mold-release and process oil for food, plastics and specialty manufacturing.
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Glycerol tricaprylate (Tricaprylin) |
Synonyms | Glyceryl trioctanoate; Trioctanoin; Tricaprylyl glyceride; Caprylic acid triglyceride; C8 MCT; 1,2,3-Trioctanoylglycerol |
CAS No. | 538-23-8 |
EC No. (EINECS) | 208-686-5 |
Molecular Formula | C₂₇H₅₀O₆ |
Molecular Weight | 470.68 g/mol |
Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale-yellow oily liquid |
Density | ≈ 0.954 g/cm³ (20 °C) |
Solidification Point | ≈ 10 °C |
Tricaprylin is the triester of glycerol with three identical caprylic (octanoic, C8:0) acids: C₂₇H₅₀O₆. Being fully saturated and short-chained, it is remarkably stable against oxidation, stays liquid down to about 10 °C, and — unlike long-chain fats — is absorbed directly into the portal circulation and metabolized rapidly for energy rather than being stored. This metabolic profile is the basis of its value in nutrition and cosmetics alike.
Commercially, tricaprylin is produced by esterification of fractionated caprylic acid (from coconut or palm-kernel oil) with glycerol, then refined and deodorized to grade. It is distinguished from standard MCT blends, which mix C8 and C10 chains: the pure C8 material offers lower viscosity, faster absorption and a more consistent specification.
● Light, non-greasy texture: spreads easily and leaves no oily residue — the emollient of choice for modern cosmetics.
● Rapid energy conversion The C8 chains are taken up directly and burnt quickly, which makes it ideal for sports, ketogenic and medical nutrition.
● Excellent oxidation stability: the fully saturated structure resists rancidity without the need for added antioxidants.
● Excellent solvent power: Solubilises lipophilic actives, fragrances and pharmaceuticals in clear low viscosity systems.
● Accurate, consistent specification: pure C8 composition means reproducible performance batch to batch.
● A well-tolerated carrier for cosmetic, biocompatible and low-irritant
Tricaprylin is a premium emollient and solvent of the cosmetics industry:
● Skincare: light moisturizing and spreading agent in creams, serums and lotions;
● Makeup: solvent and emollient in lipsticks, foundations and color cosmetics;
● Sun-care: carrier for UV filters with a dry, non-greasy feel;
● Hair care: conditioning and gloss agent in hair oils and serums;
● Fragrance: solvent for essential oils and perfume concentrates.
● Pure C8 MCT oil: rapid-energy supplement for athletes and active consumers;
● Ketogenic nutrition: fat source supporting ketone production in low-carb and medical diets;
● Food processing: carrier for flavors and colors, mold-release agent in confectionery and sausage production.
● Lubricant: base fluid with low viscosity for food grade and speciality lubricants;
● Mold release: release agent in food and polymer processing;
● Plastics and additives: processing aid and carrier in speciality formulations;
● Research and cosmetics intermediates: Lipase and metabolic studies: standard substrate.
Packaging (customisable)
● 25 kg HDPE jerry can, 200 kg HDPE drum, 1,000 L IBC, or ISO tank for bulk;
● Food/pharma grade in sealed food grade containers.
Storage:
● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;
● Keep containers tightly closed to prevent contamination and moisture pick-up;
● Store above 10 °C to keep the oil fluid (solidification point ≈ 10 °C);
● Recommended storage temperature 15 °C – 35 °C.
● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;small trial orders accepted.
● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;
Tricaprylin is a pure C8 medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). It is used as a light, non-greasy emollient and active-solvent in cosmetics; and as a lubricant, mold-release and process oil in industry.
Standard MCT oil is a blend of caprylic (C8:0) and capric (C10:0) triglycerides in varying ratios. Tricaprylin is 100% C8 — the pure single-component grade. Pure C8 material has lower viscosity, faster and more complete absorption, quicker energy release and a tighter specification, which is why it is preferred for premium cosmetics, ketogenic nutrition; standard MCT blends are more economical for general food use.
Medium-chain fatty acids (C6 – C12) are hydrolyzed and absorbed differently from long-chain fats: they bypass chylomicron transport, enter the portal circulation directly, and are metabolized rapidly in the liver for energy instead of being stored as body fat. Tricaprylin, being pure C8, shows this rapid-absorption behavior to the fullest.
Yes — tricaprylin is a food-grade, low-toxicity oil (MCT oils are widely used in food ), though the pure oil can irritate eyes on direct contact and excessive consumption can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Use gloves and goggles when handling bulk oil。






