It has the structural formula H3C−(CH2)6−COOH, and is a colorless oily liquid that is minimally soluble in water with a slightly unpleasant rancid-like smell and taste.

In addition, caprylic acid is used as an algicide, bactericide, fungicide, and herbicide in nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and interiors, and on ornamentation.

[7] Caprylic acid plays an important role in the body's regulation of energy input and output, a function which is performed by the hormone ghrelin.

[9] Some studies have shown that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can help in the process of excess calorie burning, and thus weight loss;[10][11][12][13][14] however, a systematic review of the evidence concluded that the overall results are inconclusive.

[14] Caprylic acid has been studied as part of a ketogenic diet to treat children with intractable epilepsy.