Ricinoleic acid, CAS: 141-22-0

Ricinoleic acid is a clear, viscous, yellowish, castor oil-derived unsaturated fatty acid with a double bond and hydroxyl group at positions of C9 and C12. The C12 hydroxyl group imparts increased oxidative stability, thereby providing long shelf-life. The functional group hydroxyl can be acetylated, alkoxylated or removed by dehydration to increase unsaturation. Other useful industrial derivatives include ricinoleyl alcohol, methyl ricinoleate, azelaic acid, undecylenic acid, sebacic acid, hydroxy stearic acid, cetyl ricinoleate, ethyl ricinoleate, glyceryl ricinoleate, zinc ricinoleate, glycol ricinoleate, isopropyl ricinoleate, potassium ricinoleate, sodium ricinoleate and octyldodecyl ricinoleate, and ricinenic acid. Ricinoleic acid is also known to form estolides, which are are oligoesters of hydroxy fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid serves as a precursor to produce many bioproducts, including polyesters, biodiesel, dispersing agents, surfactants, sealants, softening agents, odor eaters, adhesives, dry cleaning detergents, plasticizers, lubricants, soaps, grease, emollients, emulsifier, and bio-lubricants.