C7H16O7

C7H16O7 is the molecular formula for several isomers, meaning it represents compounds with the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements of atoms. One prominent compound with this formula is heptanoic acid, a seven-carbon fatty acid with the carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end. It is a saturated fatty acid, meaning all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds. Heptanoic acid is found naturally in various sources, including milk fat and certain plants. It is a colorless, oily liquid with a pungent odor and is soluble in organic solvents but sparingly soluble in water. Its applications include the production of flavorings, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals.

Another possible compound with the formula C7H16O7 is diheptyl ether, an organic compound that consists of two heptyl groups attached to an oxygen atom. This ether is typically a colorless liquid with a relatively low boiling point. Ethers are generally unreactive and are often used as solvents. While less common than heptanoic acid in biological contexts, diheptyl ether might find use in specific industrial or laboratory applications. The specific properties and uses of any given isomer depend entirely on its unique molecular structure. Identifying the exact isomer requires more detailed structural information beyond the molecular formula.