n-heptanoic acid

OEnanthic [OE]*nan"thic, a. [Gr. ? the first shoot of the vine, the vine blossom, the vine; o'i`nh the vine + ? bloom, 'a`nqos flower.] (Chem.) Having, or imparting, the odor characteristic of the bouquet of wine; specifically used, formerly, to designate an acid (oenanthic acid) whose ethereal salts were supposed to occasion the peculiar bouquet, or aroma, of old wine. Cf. {[OE]nanthylic}. [1913 Webster]

{oenanthic acid}, {[OE]nanthic acid} (Chem.), an acid ({C6H13.CO.OH}) obtained from [oe]nanthic ether by the action of alkalies; called also {n-heptanoic acid}, {1-heptanecarboxylic acid}, {enanthic acid}, {enanthylic acid} and {oenanthylic acid}. It has the odor of sour sweat. It has the CAS registry number 111-14-8.

{[OE]nanthic ether}, an ethereal substance (not to be confused with the bouquet, or aroma, of wine) found in wine lees, and consisting of a complex mixture of the ethereal salts of several of the higher acids of the acetic acid series. It has an ethereal odor, and it used in flavoring artificial wines and liquors. Called also {oil of wine}. See {Essential oil}, under {Essential}. [1913 Webster +PJC]