Tricaprin

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Tricaprin, also known as tridecanoin, is a triglyceride made from capric acid (a medium-chain fatty acid) and glycerol. It is one of the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in MCT oil and occurs naturally in the seeds of Umbellularia californica, a North American tree.

How it’s made
Tricaprin forms when glycerol is esterified with capric acid. It can be obtained from natural sources or produced synthetically. Researchers are exploring enzyme-based methods as gentler alternatives to traditional high-temperature and high-pressure processes, which can yield lower quality products. In some cases, tricaprin converts more slowly than other MCTs when using certain enzymes like lipozyme.

Uses and research
Tricaprin is used as an additive in diesel fuel and in some biodiesel formulations. It has been studied as a potential medicine to influence insulin production and androgen levels, and as part of research aiming to prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures. It’s also looked at for its potential to support membrane function and lipolysis in the heart.

Properties
Tricaprin has the chemical formula C33H62O6 and typically appears as white to light-yellow crystals, with a melting point near 31°C. It is not generally classified as hazardous, and its acute toxicity in animal studies is relatively low (LD50 over 10 g/kg in mice when given intravenously).