Ricinoleic Acid
Manufactured by Nova Industries
Nova Industries manufactures high-purity Ricinoleic Acid, the primary functional component of Castor Oil.1
While typical fatty acids are non-polar hydrocarbon chains, Ricinoleic Acid is unique: it is an unsaturated Omega-9 fatty acid that contains a Hydroxyl (-OH) group on the 12th carbon.2 This rare functionality makes it chemically superior for synthesis, offering reactivity that standard oleic or stearic acids cannot match. It is the fundamental building block for the entire castor derivative industry.
1. Production & Chemistry
Our Ricinoleic Acid is isolated from Castor Oil through a precise hydrolysis and distillation process.
- Extraction: Castor Oil (Triglyceride) is subjected to saponification (splitting) to liberate the free fatty acids and glycerol.
- Purification: The crude fatty acid mixture is refined via fractional distillation to isolate Ricinoleic Acid (typically ~85-90% concentration) from non-hydroxy acids like Oleic and Linoleic.
- Key Feature: The presence of the hydroxyl group allows for esterification and polymerization reactions without affecting the double bond, making it a “dual-reactive” monomer.3
2. Key Industrial Applications
Coatings, Inks & Polymers
- Pigment Dispersion: Widely used as a dispersing agent in inks and paints.4 The polar hydroxyl group anchors to pigment surfaces while the long chain provides steric stabilization, preventing clumping.
- Polyurethanes: Acts as a natural polyol in the synthesis of polyurethane resins, imparting flexibility and moisture resistance.
Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care
- Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, yeasts, and molds.5 It is used in topical treatments for fungal infections (Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot) and as a bactericide in wound wash formulations.6
- Drug Delivery: utilized in the synthesis of biodegradable polyanhydrides, which serve as vehicles for controlled drug release.7
- Emulsifiers: Its derivatives (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds) are excellent hair conditioning agents and skin softeners.
Industrial Lubricants
- Metalworking Fluids: Used in cutting oils and drawing compounds due to its high lubricity and ability to emulsify water.8
- Soaps: Ricinoleate soaps are used as algaecides in aquaculture and as industrial cleaners.9
3. Technical Specifications (TDS)
Nova Industries supplies Commercial and Technical grades suitable for chemical synthesis.
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
| Product Name | Ricinoleic Acid | — |
| IUPAC Name | (9Z,12R)-12-Hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic Acid | — |
| CAS Number | 141-22-0 | — |
| Molecular Formula | $C_{18}H_{34}O_3$ | — |
| Appearance | Clear Amber to Dark Yellow Viscous Liquid | Visual |
| Purity (GLC) | 85.0% Min (Ricinoleic Isomer) | Gas Chromatography |
| Acid Value | 175 – 185 mg KOH/g | ISO 660 |
| Saponification Value | 180 – 195 mg KOH/g | ISO 3657 |
| Iodine Value | 82 – 90 | ISO 3961 |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | 0.940 – 0.945 | ASTM D4052 |
| Melting Point | $< 5.5°C$ (Liquid at room temp) | — |
| Boiling Point | $> 200°C$ (Decomposes at high temp) | — |
| Solubility | Insoluble in Water; Soluble in Ethanol | — |
Packaging & Storage
- Packaging: 190 Kg Steel Drums / 200 Kg HDPE Drums / ISO Tanks.10
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. The product can darken (oxidize) if exposed to air and heat for prolonged periods. Keep containers tightly sealed.
For Chemical Synthesis & Derivatives:
Nova Industries
Website: https://novaind.in/