Hexanoic acid (IUPAC name Hexanoic acid) is a fatty acid found naturally in various animal fats and oils, and is one of the chemicals that gives the decomposing fleshy seed coat of the ginkgo its foul smell. The salts and esters of this acid are known as hexanoates or caproates.

Caproic acid, Caprylic acid, and Capric acid containing the 6-, 8-, and 10-carbon acids respectively are a member of the series of fatty acids found in oils and animal fats. The names of Caproic, Caprylic, and Capric acids are all derived from the word caper (Latin: 'goat'). These are colorless light yellowish transparent oily liquids with unconfortable smells. These are used in organic synthesis, manufacture of perfume, medicine, lubricating grease, rubber and dye.