Applications
Heptanoic acid is used as an organic building block for the synthesis of a variety of chemical compounds. It is involved in the esterification of steroids and used in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients such as trenbolone enanthate, testosterone enanthate, drostanolone enanthate and methenolone enanthate. It is also used as an internal standard during gas chromatography analysis of the butyl esters of volatile acids. Its ester derivatives are used in the fragrance and flavor industries as well as cosmetics and industrial lubricants in aviation, refrigeration and automobile. It is used to prepare sodium heptanoate, which is used as a corrosion inhibitor.

Solubility
Miscible with acetone, ethanol, diethyl ether, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and nitric acid. Slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride and water.

Notes
Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, bases and reducing agents.