Cas No: 8001-79-4
EINESC No: 232-293-8
Molecular weight: 933,43026 g/mol
Chemical Formula: C57H104O
Chemical Structure:
Physical Properties
General Properties: pale yellow liquid
Odor: characteristic, strong
Intensity: 0.961 g/cm3
Boiling point: 313 °C
Melting point: -15 °C
Flash point: 229 ° C
Vapor pressure:
Refraction index: 1.4719 nD
Solubility (aqueous) indissoluble
Viscosity:
General Properties
Castor oil is liquid that has different taste and smell. It is acquired via extraction of indian bean plant. The famous oil producer’s name ‘Castrol’ comes from here. It consists more than 80% ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is much more polar than other acids and this makes it easy to be differentiable.
Castor oil is not used in meals due to its strong taste but it has been used for bowel and skin diseases for years. It is a good hemuctant and anticeptic. Although it is not toxic, it is used by mixing it with other oil as it can be allergic.
Production
Castor oil is acquired by extraction of indian bean seeds with solvents and cold mechanic press.
Application
It is used as anti-mould agent in food products. It is also preferred as antifouling for many cereals.
It is also frequently used in medical fields. It is also used as bacteria and fungi preventer. Aids and cancer medicines contain castor oil.
It is also used in poliol production in polyurethane industry. It is also raw material fro epoxy, lithium soap.
Castor oil’s chemical properties are suitable for lube oils. Compared to other herbal oils, it disintigrates in lesser amounts and it preserves its viscosity in low temperatures. This makes it ideal for usage in biodiesel.
It is also used in ‘Turkey red oil’ production.
Safety Measures and Toxic Values
Seed of indian bean contains ricin, which is highly toxic, but it is denaturated in production process. Aside from this, it is not toxic except for special cases of allergy.
Castol oil burns with a slow, white flame but it has to be heated first.