RICINOLEIC ACID

Ricinoleic Acid is a hydroxylated fatty acid that is the principal component of castor oil, and Ricinoleic Acid is valued for its unique combination of a C18 chain with one double bond and one hydroxyl group.
Ricinoleic Acid provides excellent lubricity, polarity, and film-forming behavior, and Ricinoleic Acid is widely used as a renewable raw material for specialty chemicals, polymers, coatings, and personal care ingredients.
Ricinoleic Acid is commonly used to make esters, soaps, salts, and derivatives such as sebacic acid and castor-based polyols, and Ricinoleic Acid performance depends on purity, color, odor, and oxidation stability.

CAS Number: 141-22-0
EC Number: 205-470-2
Molecular Formula: C18H34O3
Molecular Weight: 298.46 g/mol

Synonyms: Ricinoleic Acid, 12-Hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic Acid, 12-Hydroxyoleic Acid, Castor Oil Fatty Acid (major component), Ricinolic Acid (variant spelling), Castor Acid, Hydroxy Fatty Acid C18:1-OH, Ricinoleate Acid, (R)-Ricinoleic Acid (common designation), Ricinoleic Acid Natural, Ricinoleic Acid Technical Grade, Ricinoleic Acid USP/FCC (grade dependent), Ricinoleic Acid, RICINOLEIC ACID, Ricinoleic acid, (R)-Ricinoleic Acid, 12-Hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic Acid, 12-Hydroxy-9-octadecenoic Acid, 12-Hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid, (9Z,12R)-12-Hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic Acid, (9Z,12R)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid, (9Z,12R)-12-Hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic Acid, 12-Hydroxyoleic Acid, 12-hydroxyoleic acid, Castor Oil Fatty Acid, Castor Oil Fatty Acids, Castor Fatty Acid (ricinoleic-rich), Castor Oil Acid (ricinoleic), Ricinus Oil Fatty Acid (variant), Ricinus Communis Fatty Acid (variant), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Fatty Acid, Ricinoleate Acid (common variant), Ricinoleate (acid form), Oleic Acid, 12-hydroxy- (registry-style), Hydroxyoleic Acid (12-), 12-Hydroxy-oleic acid (variant), 12-Hydroxystearic Acid (related hydrogenated form), Ricinoleic Acid (C18H34O3), C18H34O3, Ricinoleic Acid (CAS 141-22-0), CAS 141-22-0, Ricinoleic Acid (EC 205-470-2) (common listing), EC 205-470-2, Ricinoleic Acid (EINECS 205-470-2), Ricinoleic Acid (INCI), Ricinoleic Acid (cosmetic ingredient), Ricinoleic Acid (skin conditioning) (use context), Ricinoleic Acid (emollient) (use context), Ricinoleic Acid (surfactant intermediate) (use context)

APPLICATIONS

Ricinoleic Acid is used in lubricant formulations to improve lubricity and boundary film strength in compatible systems.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into metalworking fluids to enhance lubricity and reduce friction in mixed lubrication regimes.
Ricinoleic Acid is used in biodegradable lubricant esters as a renewable fatty acid feedstock for high-performance esterification.

Ricinoleic Acid is used to manufacture sebacic acid and related dicarboxylic acids used in engineering polymers and plasticizers.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into chemical routes that produce castor-based nylon intermediates and specialty polyamides.
Ricinoleic Acid is used as a starting material for 2-octanol, heptanal-related pathways, and other castor-derived specialty intermediates in compatible processes.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in polyurethane chemistry as a renewable feedstock for castor-based polyols and flexible polymer systems.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into bio-based polyols to improve flexibility and hydrophobicity in polyurethane foams and elastomers.
Ricinoleic Acid is used in reactive diluents and resin modification to improve toughness and moisture resistance in selected systems.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in coatings and inks as a raw material for alkyd resins and modified oils to improve flow and film properties.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into resin synthesis to increase polarity and improve wetting of pigments and fillers in compatible formulations.
Ricinoleic Acid is used in printing ink vehicles where controlled viscosity and wetting behavior are required.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in soaps and detergents as a fatty acid component to create ricinoleate soaps with unique foam and solubility behavior.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into specialty soaps where mildness and conditioning feel are targeted.
Ricinoleic Acid is used in cleaning formulations as a hydrophobe building block for surfactant and soap derivatives.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in cosmetics as an emollient component and as a precursor to ricinoleate esters that provide slip and skin comfort.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into castor-derived esters for lip products to improve gloss feel and reduce tackiness.
Ricinoleic Acid is used in hair care esters to improve shine, smoothness, and lubricity in compatible formulations.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in odor-control chemistry through zinc ricinoleate, where Ricinoleic Acid derivatives bind and trap odor molecules.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into deodorant sticks and creams via zinc ricinoleate systems to support malodor reduction.
Ricinoleic Acid is used in air-care and fabric-care odor control products when zinc ricinoleate delivery is properly engineered.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in plasticizer synthesis as a renewable fatty acid feedstock for flexible polymer additives.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into ester plasticizers for PVC and specialty elastomers in compatible regulatory contexts.
Ricinoleic Acid is used in rubber processing aids and release agents where fatty-acid polarity improves performance.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in textile auxiliaries to improve lubrication and softening in fiber processing in compatible systems.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into leather finishing and fatliquor chemistry as a castor-based hydrophobe with polar functionality.
Ricinoleic Acid is used in paper and packaging additives in selected systems where lubricity and hydrophobicity are desired.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in chemical synthesis as a hydroxyl-functional fatty acid intermediate for esterification, amidation, and etherification routes.
Ricinoleic Acid is incorporated into surfactant intermediates where the hydroxyl group enables unique amphiphilic tuning.
Ricinoleic Acid is valued because Ricinoleic Acid combines renewable sourcing with hydroxyl functionality that enables diverse derivatives and performance benefits.

Ricinoleic Acid is used as the principal fatty acid component of castor oil in industrial formulations.
Ricinoleic Acid is used to produce esters that function as plasticizers and lubricants.
Ricinoleic Acid supports manufacture of specialty oleochemicals with hydroxyl functionality.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in production of lubricants and bio-based greases.
Ricinoleic Acid improves lubricity and film strength in ester-based lubricant systems.
Ricinoleic Acid supports high-viscosity, high-polarity lubricant formulations for boundary lubrication.

Ricinoleic Acid is used as a feedstock for making biodegradable lubricant base oils.
Ricinoleic Acid supports synthesis of polyol esters for high-temperature lubricant applications.
Ricinoleic Acid helps improve low-volatility and oxidative performance when properly formulated.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in metalworking fluids as a lubricity additive through castor-derived esters.
Ricinoleic Acid supports improved cutting and forming performance under high-pressure contact.
Ricinoleic Acid helps reduce tool wear and improves surface finish in machining processes.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in hydraulic fluids and specialty functional fluids through ester derivatives.
Ricinoleic Acid supports bio-based alternatives to mineral-oil hydraulics in some applications.
Ricinoleic Acid helps improve lubricity and seal compatibility when designed appropriately.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in manufacturing of polyurethane products via castor-based polyols.
Ricinoleic Acid supports production of polyols that contribute hydroxyl functionality in urethane chemistry.
Ricinoleic Acid helps create flexible polyurethane foams and elastomers from renewable feedstocks.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in coatings as a bio-based intermediate for alkyd and urethane-modified resins.
Ricinoleic Acid supports synthesis of film-forming resins with flexibility and adhesion.
Ricinoleic Acid helps improve flow and leveling in some coating systems through tailored resins.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in inks and overprint varnishes as part of castor-derived resin and plasticizer systems.
Ricinoleic Acid supports improved ink flow and rub resistance in compatible formulations.
Ricinoleic Acid helps improve pigment wetting when used in suitable vehicles.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in adhesives and sealants through castor oil derivatives and plasticizers.
Ricinoleic Acid supports flexible bonds and reduced brittleness in cured adhesives.
Ricinoleic Acid helps improve tack and cohesion balance in pressure-sensitive systems.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in elastomer compounding as a processing aid through castor-derived materials.
Ricinoleic Acid supports improved filler wetting and reduced compound viscosity in some rubber mixes.
Ricinoleic Acid helps improve dispersion of carbon black and mineral fillers.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in plastics as a renewable plasticizer feedstock for certain polymer systems.
Ricinoleic Acid supports flexible PVC and specialty plastics via castor-based plasticizers.
Ricinoleic Acid helps improve low-temperature flexibility and reduce brittleness in plasticized materials.

Ricinoleic Acid is used in production of sebacic acid and other dicarboxylic acids via castor oil chemistry.
Ricinoleic Acid supports polymer intermediates used in nylon and plasticizer manufacture.
Ricinoleic Acid helps enable renewable routes to specialty monomers.

DESCRIPTION

Ricinoleic Acid is a hydroxylated monounsaturated fatty acid commonly found in castor oil.
Ricinoleic Acid is typically described as 12-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid.
Ricinoleic Acid provides unique polarity and reactivity compared with typical fatty acids because it contains a hydroxyl group.

Ricinoleic Acid is usually present as triglycerides in castor oil and can be isolated by hydrolysis and purification.
Ricinoleic Acid can be supplied as a viscous liquid with mild fatty odor depending on purity.
Ricinoleic Acid is insoluble in water but soluble in oils and many organic solvents.

Ricinoleic Acid is a monounsaturated, hydroxyl-functional C18 fatty acid, and Ricinoleic Acid is distinctive because the hydroxyl group increases polarity compared with typical oleic-type fatty acids.
Ricinoleic Acid is typically a viscous liquid at room temperature, and Ricinoleic Acid can darken or develop odor if exposed to air, heat, or metal catalysts that promote oxidation.
Ricinoleic Acid is commonly produced from castor oil by hydrolysis and separation of fatty acids, and Ricinoleic Acid quality depends on acid value, iodine value, moisture, and color specifications.

Ricinoleic Acid readily undergoes esterification to form ricinoleate esters, and these esters are widely used for lubricity, emolliency, and plasticization effects.
Ricinoleic Acid salts such as sodium ricinoleate act as soaps, and Ricinoleic Acid metal salts such as zinc ricinoleate are used for odor capture and control.
Ricinoleic Acid should be stored with air and light exposure minimized, and antioxidants may be used in some grades to improve storage stability.

Ricinoleic Acid should be handled with good industrial hygiene, and Ricinoleic Acid can cause irritation with repeated contact in sensitive individuals.
Ricinoleic Acid should be kept away from strong oxidizers and from uncontrolled high-temperature conditions that can accelerate degradation.
Ricinoleic Acid should be used according to supplier specifications and applicable regulations for the intended market and product category.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C18H34O3
Molecular Weight: 298.46 g/mol
Common Name: Ricinoleic Acid
Chemical Type: Hydroxylated fatty acid (C18:1-OH)
Appearance: Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid (grade dependent)
Odor: Mild fatty odor (grade dependent)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in many organic solvents and oils
Acid Value: Grade dependent (used as a key QC parameter)
Iodine Value: Grade dependent (reflects unsaturation level)
Polarity: Higher polarity than oleic acid due to hydroxyl group
Reactivity: Esterifies readily; forms soaps and metal salts; susceptible to oxidation
Stability: Improved by cool, dry storage and protection from air/light; antioxidants may be used (grade dependent)
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, tightly closed, protect from light and air
Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if mists are inhaled during heated handling or spraying.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during processing.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, especially during bulk handling.
Avoid prolonged skin contact and avoid splashing into eyes.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust if heated handling generates mists.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from air and light to reduce oxidation, discoloration, and odor development.
Keep away from strong oxidizers and sources of excessive heat.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain the spill and absorb with inert material.
Clean surfaces thoroughly because oily materials can create slip hazards.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.

Handling Precautions:
Use clean equipment and avoid contact with reactive metals that can accelerate oxidation.
Consider antioxidant strategy and nitrogen blanketing for long storage or high-purity applications.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable performance.