Castor Oil C-7 Derivatives

Manufactured by Nova Industries

Nova Industries specializes in the advanced fractionation of Castor Oil to produce high-value C-7 Chemicals (Seven Carbon Chain).

These derivatives are generated through the high-temperature Pyrolysis (Cracking) of Castor Oil. When the ricinoleic acid molecule is split at temperatures exceeding 400°C, it yields two primary fragments: the C-11 chain (Undecylenic Acid) and the C-7 chain (Heptaldehyde). This C-7 aldehyde serves as the parent molecule for synthesizing Heptanoic Acid and Heptanol.

---

1. Heptaldehyde (Heptanal)

The Precursor Molecule

Heptaldehyde is the primary volatile aldehyde produced during the destructive distillation of castor oil methyl esters.

• Production: Obtained alongside Undecylenic Acid during pyrolysis.¹
• Characteristics: A colorless, oily liquid with a strong, penetrating, fruity-pungent odor.²
• Key Applications:
  • Perfumery: A critical intermediate for synthesizing “Jasmine” and “Violet” aldehyde notes (Alpha-Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde).
  • Chemical Synthesis: The starting material for producing Heptanoic Acid and Heptyl Alcohol.
  • Rubber Industry: Used as an accelerator in rubber vulcanization.³

---

2. Heptanoic Acid (Enanthic Acid)

The Oxidation Product

Heptanoic Acid is a C-7 saturated fatty acid produced by the catalytic oxidation of Heptaldehyde in the presence of oxygen.4

• Characteristics: An oily liquid with a faint, disagreeable rancid odor.
• Key Applications:
  • Synthetic Lubricants: The most significant application is in the manufacture of Polyol Esters (POEs). Esters of Heptanoic Acid (like Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate) are used in high-performance aviation turbine oils and refrigeration lubricants due to their thermal stability and low viscosity.⁵
  • Corrosion Inhibitors: Used in automotive coolants and metalworking fluids.
  • Fragrance Esters: Reacted with alcohols to form esters (e.g., Ethyl Heptanoate) used in fruit flavors (grape, apricot).⁶

---

3. Heptyl Alcohol (1-Heptanol)

The Reduction Product

Heptanol is a C-7 monohydric alcohol produced by the catalytic hydrogenation (reduction) of Heptaldehyde.

• Characteristics: A clear liquid with a pleasant, citrus/herbaceous odor.
• Key Applications:
  • Fragrances: Used directly in perfumery for its fresh, green, citrus notes.⁷
  • Cosmetic Esters: Reacted to form esters used as emollients in skin care.
  • Solvents: Acts as a specialized solvent in industrial formulations.
  • Plasticizers: Used as an intermediate for manufacturing plasticizers.⁸

---

Summary of C-7 Chemistry

Product	Chemical Process	Primary Industry
Heptaldehyde	Pyrolysis of Castor Oil	Perfumery / Synthesis
Heptanoic Acid	Oxidation of Heptaldehyde	Aviation Lubricants (Esters)
Heptyl Alcohol	Hydrogenation of Heptaldehyde	Fragrance / Solvents

For Technical Specifications & Bulk Supply:

Nova Industries

Website: https://novaind.in/