Nomenclature
Ricinus oil; oil of Palma Christi; tangantangan oil; Neoloid (Lederle). Description and references
Fixed oil obtained by cold-pressing the seeds
of Ricinus communis L., Euphorbiaceae. Triglyceride
of fatty acids. Fatty acid composition is approx ricinoleic 87%,
oleic 7%, linoleic 3%, palmitic 2%, stearic 1% and dihydroxystearic
trace amounts: Binder et al., J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 39, 513 (1962). Review
and bibliography: Anderson, J. Philipp. Pharm.
Assoc. 42, 5-16 (1955); Dominguez et al., J. Chem. Educ. 20, 446 (1952); F. C. Naughton et al., in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology vol. 5 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1979)
pp 1-15.
Properties
Pale yellow, viscous oil. Slight somewhat characteristic
odor. The crude oil tastes slightly acrid with a decidedly nauseating
after-taste. Has excellent keeping qualities, does not turn rancid
unless subjected to excessive heat. Dextrorotatory (undil. in sodium
light). d15.515.5 0.961-0.963. Wt of tech grades: 8.1 to 8.9
lbs/gallon. nD25 1.473-1.477. nD40 1.466-1.473. Solidif -10° to -18°. Viscosity (25°): 6-8 P, also expressed
as U ± 1/2 (Gardner-Holdt Scale). Flash pt 445°F (230°C); ignition temp 840°F (449°C). Surface
tension (dynes/cm): at 20°, 39.0; at 80°, 35.2. Acid value <4.
Sapon no. 176-187. Iodine no. (Wijs') 81-91. Reichert-Meissl value
<0.5. Polenske value <0.5. Acetyl value 144-150. Hydroxyl
value 161-169. Miscible with abs ethanol, methanol, ether, chloroform,
glacial acetic acid. Dissolves in its own vol of petr ether or 95%
alcohol. Does not dissolve to any extent in mineral oil, unless mixed
with another vegetable oil. When heated to 300° for several hours
it polymerizes and becomes miscible with mineral oil.Use
As an industrial raw material for the prepn of chemical
derivs used in coatings, urethane derivs, surfactants and dispersants,
cosmetics, lubricants; chief raw material for the production of sebacic
acid, a basic ingredient in the production of synthetic resins and
fibers; as lubricant in metal drawing, machine lubrication and 2-cycle
engine fuels, in hydraulic fluids, rubber preservative and mold lubricants;
constituent of embalming fluids; in soap manuf; to impart emollient
and lubricant properties to cosmetic prepns; as Turkey-red oil (sulfated
castor oil) for dyeing and finishing textiles; as dehydrated castor
oil in alkyds, resinous copolymers, varnishes, oil-based paints, enamels,
calks and putties; as blown oil (oxidized oil) for plasticizing oilcloth,
artificial leather, coated fabrics, and lacquers; to plasticize rosin
in the manuf of sticky fly-paper, for nitrocellulose and similar coating
systems, hot melts, duplicating and stencil inks, adhesives and laminants;
as release and anti-sticking agent in hard candy manuf.
Therapeutic Category
Cathartic.
Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)
Mild purgative, but considered unreliable
in adult horses. Emollient.
Keywords
Laxative/Cathartic