Ricinoleic Acid is a hydroxylated unsaturated fatty acid and one of the characteristic fatty acids associated with castor oil. It is identified by CAS No. 141-22-0 and has the molecular formula C18H34O3 with a molecular weight of approximately 298.46 g/mol.

Chemically, Ricinoleic Acid is 12-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid. Its structure contains a carboxylic acid group, one carbon-carbon double bond and a secondary hydroxyl group. The combination of these functional groups gives Ricinoleic Acid characteristics that are useful in specialty chemical synthesis and in the manufacture of derivatives and functional materials.

Synonyms - 12-Hydroxyoleic Acid; 12-Hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic Acid; 9-cis-12-Hydroxyoctadecenoic Acid; Ricinoleic Acid; (9Z,12R)-12-Hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic Acid.

Applications of Ricinoleic Acid

Specialty Chemical Synthesis: Ricinoleic Acid is an important starting material for preparing derivatives of hydroxylated fatty acids. Its carboxylic acid and hydroxyl functionalities can be utilized in chemical transformations to produce specialty esters, salts and other fatty-acid derivatives.

Surfactants and Emulsifiers: Ricinoleic Acid and its derivatives are used in the preparation of surface-active materials. The combination of a long hydrocarbon chain with polar functional groups makes ricinoleic-acid derivatives useful in formulation systems requiring oil-compatible surfactant or emulsifying functionality.

Lubricants and Lubricant Derivatives: Ricinoleic Acid is used as a feedstock for producing specialty lubricant components. Its hydroxyl functionality provides a useful chemical handle for producing derivatives with tailored polarity and viscosity characteristics.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Ingredients: Ricinoleic Acid and ricinoleic-acid-derived materials are relevant to cosmetic formulation chemistry. Derivatives can function as emollient, surfactant and conditioning ingredients depending on their chemical structure and formulation.

Polymer and Resin Chemistry: The hydroxyl group of Ricinoleic Acid makes it useful as a reactive functionality in the development of fatty-acid-derived polymers, polyesters and other functional materials. Ricinoleic-acid-based chemistry is particularly relevant to research into renewable and bio-derived polymer feedstocks.

Plasticizers and Industrial Formulations: Ricinoleic Acid derivatives have applications in industrial formulations including plasticizer and additive development. Chemical modification of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups allows properties to be adjusted for specific material systems.

Metal Soaps and Functional Salts: The carboxylic acid group can be converted into metallic salts such as zinc and other metal ricinoleates. These materials are used in selected industrial formulation and specialty chemical applications.

Chemical Information

Chemical Class: Hydroxy fatty acid.
Molecular Formula: C18H34O3.
Molecular Weight: 298.46 g/mol.
IUPAC Name: (9Z,12R)-12-Hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid.

The presence of both an unsaturated bond and a hydroxyl group distinguishes Ricinoleic Acid from ordinary monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid. This functionality is responsible for much of its importance as a precursor for chemically modified fatty-acid products.

For pricing, technical specifications, commercial requirements or supply enquiries for Ricinoleic Acid, please contact B J Corporation.