Castor oil derivatives are valuable industrial chemicals derived from the oil-rich seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Castor oil, known for its high content of ricinoleic acid (~90%), possesses a unique chemical structure that makes it ideal for transformation into a wide range of bio-based products. These derivatives are used across multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, plastics, and agriculture. As demand for sustainable raw materials grows, castor oil derivatives continue to gain importance as eco-friendly alternatives in industrial applications, supporting innovation in green chemistry and circular manufacturing.
Ricinoleic Acid and Its Soap and Esters
Production:
Hydrolysis of Castor Oil
Applications:
- Surfactants and emulsifiers: In soaps, shampoos, and detergents.
- Lubricants: As a base oil in biodegradable lubricants.
- Pharmaceuticals: As a laxative and emollient.
Because at high temperature the hydroxyl group can be lost and due to the risk of estolide formation, castor oil splitting is carried out at no higher temperature than 225°C. A number of firms market ricinoleic acid. It is used in the manufacture of soaps, shampoos, and esters.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Castor Wax)
Production:
Hydrogenation of castor oil to saturate its unsaturated bonds.
Applications:
- Cosmetics: Used in lipsticks, deodorants, and creams.
- Plastics: As a lubricant and mold release agent.
- Polishes: Component of furniture, leather, and automobile polishes.
- Paints: Improves hardness and gloss in coatings.
It is estimated that 40,000 to 45,000 megatons of hydrogenated castor oil are produced annually, accounting for about 10% of global castor oil production. The demand for hydrogenated castor oil continues to grow. It is a hard wax with a melting point of 85–87°C, an iodine value (IV) of 2.5 max, and a hydroxyl value of 150–160. Hydrogenation must be carried out at low temperature and pressure to preserve hydroxyl groups, which would otherwise be destroyed under harsher conditions.
Production:
Hydrogenation of castor oil to saturate its unsaturated bonds.
Applications:
- Cosmetics: Used in lipsticks, deodorants, and creams.
- Plastics: As a lubricant and mold release agent.
- Polishes: Component of furniture, leather, and automobile polishes.
- Paints: Improves hardness and gloss in coatings.
It is estimated that 40,000 to 45,000 megatons of hydrogenated castor oil are produced annually, accounting for about 10% of global castor oil production. The demand for hydrogenated castor oil continues to grow. It is a hard wax with a melting point of 85–87°C, an iodine value (IV) of 2.5 max, and a hydroxyl value of 150–160. Hydrogenation must be carried out at low temperature and pressure to preserve hydroxyl groups, which would otherwise be destroyed under harsher conditions.