Castor Methyl Ester
Methyl Ricinoleate–Rich Specialty Ester
INDICATIVE METHYL RICINOLEATE: APPROX. 85–90% BY GC*
A renewable, hydroxyl-functional ester for demanding formulations. Manufactured from castor oil by controlled transesterification and purification, SP Castor Methyl Ester offers polarity, lubricity, surface affinity and chemical functionality not normally found together in conventional vegetable-oil methyl esters.
| Identity | Website declaration |
|---|---|
| Commercial name | SP Castor Methyl Ester |
| Optional grade name | SP CME 85 — after GC specification approval |
| Description | Castor oil fatty acid methyl ester; methyl ricinoleate-rich |
| CAS | Mixture 91051-34-2 | Principal constituent 141-24-2 |
| Feedstock / form | Castor oil / clear light-yellow to amber oily liquid |
Why Methyl Ricinoleate Matters
Methyl ricinoleate is the methyl ester of ricinoleic acid and the principal component of castor methyl ester. Its long fatty chain, ester group and secondary hydroxyl group create a distinctive balance of oil solubility, polarity, lubricity and reactivity.
| Structural feature | Formulation value |
|---|---|
| Long C18 chain | Oil compatibility, film formation and lubricating character. |
| Ester group | Useful solvency and compatibility in selected resin and additive systems. |
| Hydroxyl group | Polarity, surface affinity and a reactive site for downstream chemistry. |
| Unsaturation | Modification potential; oxidation stability must be formulation-validated. |
Performance Highlights
- Strong lubricity potential for boundary-lubrication applications.
- Low-temperature plasticization potential in selected elastomer and vinyl systems.
- Useful wetting, pigment-grinding and dispersing character in compatible formulations.
- Bio-based carbon from renewable castor-oil feedstock.
- Functional intermediate for hydrogenation, acetylation, alkoxylation and polymerization.
- Low-volatility, high-boiling ester profile compared with light hydrocarbon solvents.
Expanded Application Portfolio
Methyl ricinoleate is the methyl ester of ricinoleic acid and the principal component of castor methyl ester. Its long fatty chain, ester group and secondary hydroxyl group create a distinctive balance of oil solubility, polarity, lubricity and reactivity.
| Market segment | Potential function |
|---|---|
| Industrial lubricants | Polar base component, lubricity improver or ester co-base in oils and greases. |
| Metalworking fluids | Cutting, rolling, drawing and grinding oils; test emulsifiable-system compatibility. |
| Rubber & elastomers | Low-temperature plasticizer and process aid for selected low-durometer compounds. |
| PVC plastisols | Secondary plasticizer, lubricant or processing aid where compatibility is established. |
| Phenolic compounds | Lubricant-plasticizer in selected phenolic molding systems. |
| Epoxy systems | Flexible ester component or formulation aid; validate cure and mechanical properties. |
| Polyurethanes | Hydroxyl-functional intermediate for selected polyurethane and polyol chemistry. |
| Polyamide / polyester | Functional additive or intermediate in compatible engineering-polymer compounds. |
| Paints, inks & coatings | Wetting, pigment-grinding, solvency or reactive-ester role. |
| Pigment dispersions | Grinding medium, wetting aid or carrier for selected pigments and dyes. |
| Surfactants & emulsifiers | Feedstock for specialty ricinoleate derivatives. |
| Personal-care research | Only with cosmetic-grade purity, safety and regulatory compliance. |
| Chemical intermediates | Platform for hydrogenated, acetylated, alkoxylated and polymerized derivatives. |
Formulation Guidance
- Begin with laboratory screening at low addition levels against the current ester or plasticizer benchmark.
- Check viscosity, low-temperature flow, corrosion, oxidation, seal compatibility, cure behavior and storage stability as relevant.
- For water-based or emulsifiable systems, select a compatible emulsifier package and verify separation resistance.
Indicative Technical Profile
| Property | Method | Launch position | Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visual | Clear, light yellow to amber | Each batch |
| Methyl ricinoleate | Validated GC | Approx. 85–90%* | Each batch |
| Density, 20–25 °C | ASTM D4052 | Typically 0.92–0.94 g/cm³ | Verify |
| Acid value | ASTM D664 | Proposed max. 0.50 mg KOH/g | Approve |
| Moisture | Karl Fischer | Proposed max. 0.10% | Approve |
| Viscosity, 40 °C | ASTM D445 | Report | Build data |
| Hydroxyl value | ASTM D1957 | Report | Build data |
| Flash point | ASTM D93 | Report | Build data |
| Residual methanol | Validated GC | Report / set safe limit | Each batch |
| Free & total glycerol | GC / equivalent | Report / set limit | Each batch |
Established Market References
| Marketed name | Chemistry / positioning | Published application positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Flexricin® P-1 — Aurorium | Methyl ricinoleate | Low-temperature rubber plasticizer; phenolic and epoxy lubricant-plasticizer; PVC plastisol aid. |
| Methyl Ricinoleate R0029 — TCI | Laboratory/reference grade; supplier lists >75% GC | Research and synthesis reference; not directly comparable to an industrial grade. |
| Flexricin® range — Aurorium | Related castor / ricinoleate derivatives | Lubricants, metalworking, polyurethane, polymers, paints, inks and pigment processing. |