Ethyl 5-oxohexanoate (CAS 13984-57-1), also called Ethyl 5-oxocaproate or Ethyl 4-acetylbutyrate, is a keto ester used in carbon-carbon bond formation, cyclization, reduction, condensation and heterocycle synthesis. Confirm GC assay, water, acid value, color and residual starting materials against the current COA and SDS.
Ethyl 5-oxohexanoate CAS 13984-57-1
- CAS: 13984-57-1
- Synonyms: Ethyl 5-oxohexanoate, Ethyl 5-oxocaproate, Ethyl 4-acetylbutyrate, 5-Oxohexanoic acid ethyl ester
- Einecs: 237-776-7
- Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₄O₃
- Grade: Specified by identity, GC assay, water, acid value, color, residual starting materials and route-specific impurities; see the current COA.
- Package: Confirm container, light or moisture protection, net weight, storage and transport against the current COA and SDS.
Product Description
Identity and physicochemical profile
| Item | Technical guidance |
|---|---|
| Product identity | Ethyl 5-oxohexanoate; ethyl 5-oxocaproate |
| CAS / EC | 13984-57-1 / 237-776-7 |
| Formula / molecular weight | C₈H₁₄O₃ / 158.20 g/mol |
| Functional groups | One aliphatic ketone and one ethyl ester |
| Key purchase controls | Identity, GC assay, water, acid value, color, residual starting materials and route-specific impurities |
| Regulatory boundary | CAS identity alone does not demonstrate approval for food, flavor, pharmaceutical or human-use applications |
Applications and grade selection
Ethyl 5-oxohexanoate may be evaluated in carbon-carbon bond formation, cyclization, reduction, condensation and heterocycle-synthesis routes. Its keto and ester functions provide multiple reaction options.
- Define the GC assay, water, acid value, color and route-critical impurity limits before sample testing.
- Compare reaction conversion, selectivity, work-up and final-product impurity carryover with the approved material.
- For regulated end uses, establish grade-specific compliance and documentation independently of chemical identity.
Storage and handling
Store tightly closed in compatible packaging away from heat, ignition sources and incompatible oxidizing or reducing reagents. Follow the current SDS and supplier instructions for temperature, light, atmosphere and retest conditions.
Safety, documentation and procurement
Use appropriate ventilation, gloves and eye protection and control ignition sources according to the current SDS. A procurement request should state the intended reaction, test methods and limits, quantity, packaging, destination and required documents.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
Is ethyl 4-acetylbutyrate a synonym for Ethyl 5-oxohexanoate?
A: Yes. Ethyl 4-acetylbutyrate, ethyl 5-oxocaproate and Ethyl 5-oxohexanoate describe the same keto ester, CAS 13984-57-1. It is not ethyl hexanoate, which lacks the ketone group. Confirm the full name, CAS number, structure and an agreed GC or spectral identity method when matching material. -
Q:
What should be compared when qualifying Ethyl 5-oxohexanoate?
A: Compare GC assay and identity, water, acidity or acid value, residual solvents, relevant starting materials and related keto-ester impurities, plus appearance and color. For a downstream condensation, reduction or cyclization, confirm the impurity limits and reaction performance against the buyer’s process rather than treating total assay as the only acceptance criterion.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
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Quotation
Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.
Sample & Supply
Ask whether samples, trial quantities or repeat orders are possible. We will check each request against the sourced product and current offer.
Storage & Shipping
Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.




