The peculiar behavior of Castor Oil when heated to high temperatures has intrigued chemists ever since 1845. It has sparked their curiosity and prompted research. The uses of Castor Oil have changed dramatically over the years. Since then, chemical engineers have come to understand and control its thus produce derivatives of the oil of even more benefit to humankind. Castor Oil chemistry has thus developed as a branch in its own right. With its unique process, Marseille has become the global hub for castor oil chemistry.

Castor Oil is a mixture of fatty acid triglycerides containing about 85% ricinoleic acid. The molecule of this acid has a linear chain comprising 18 carbon atoms. Steam cracking breaks it into two parts: one consisting of 7 carbon atoms and the other of 11.

Properties

Castor Oil is a non-toxic, biodegradable, renewable resource. It is characterized by a high percentage of ricinoleic acid, almost 85%. This is a natural aliphatic acid unique to castor oil.
It is this linear 18 carbon atom chain that is cracked into two parts, consisting of odd-numbered natural fatty acids: a C7 cut of heptanoic acid and a C11 cut of undecylenic acid. Esterol A is the constituent of Castor Oil which is not broken up by steam cracking. This product contains several saturated and unsaturated C18 natural fatty acids like stearic, oleic, linoleic and ricinoleic acid (as corresponding methyl esters).