Caproic acid, also known as hexanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a six-carbon chain. It is found naturally in various animal fats and oils, as well as in some plant oils. This compound has a strong, unpleasant odor, often described as rancid or goat-like, which is why it is sometimes associated with the smell of certain cheeses. In addition to its presence in nature, caproic acid is used in the production of esters for flavoring and fragrance in the food and cosmetic industries. It also serves as a building block in the synthesis of various chemical compounds, including caproate salts and esters.