Castor Oil is a pale yellow, viscous vegetable oil obtained from castor beans. It is known for its high ricinoleic acid content, making it unique among vegetable oils. Castor Oil is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, plastics, and chemical industries.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used in laxatives, ointments, and drug formulations.
- Cosmetics: Found in lipsticks, hair care, and skincare products.
- Industrial Applications: Used as a bio-based lubricant and in polyurethane production.
- Plastics and Polymers: Raw material for bio-based polyols.
- Textile Industry: Used in dye carriers and fiber finishing.
- Paints and Coatings: Component in specialty coatings.
Physical and Chemical Properties:
| Properties |
Data |
| Appearance |
Pale yellow viscous liquid |
| Odor |
Mild characteristic odor |
| Molecular Formula |
C57H104O9 (Typical Composition) |
| Molecular Weight |
Approximately 928 g/mol |
| Boiling Point |
>300 °C |
| Density |
~0.96 g/cm³ |
| Solubility |
Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and organic solvents |
| pH |
Neutral |
| Chemical Stability |
Stable under normal conditions |