Ricinoleic acid is a derivative of castor oil. The substance is widely used in the chemical industry, and some of its properties are promising for the manufacture of new pharmaceuticals. In cosmetology, acid is used as a safe additive that performs various functions.
Description
Ricinolic (12-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic) acid refers to organic unsaturated fatty hydroxy acids of the aliphatic series. The density of the substance is 0.945 g/cm3 (at 25°C). It is a colorless viscous liquid, insoluble in water. Its boiling point is 226 °C (at atmospheric pressure).
Chemical formula: CH3(CH2)5CH (OH) CH 2CH=CH (CH2)7COOH. The molecule contains only one unsaturated bond.
Triglycerides of ricinoleic acid, formed by its residues, are the main component of castor oil (up to 85%). In nature, this substance is also formed in plants as a result of the enzymatic oxidation of oleic acid.
Ricinoleicacid: properties
Due to its structure, the acid is chemically active. It is involved in pyrolysis, hydrolysis, processes for obtaining macromolecular compounds, and can create new intercarbon bonds in reactions with other organic components. With alkali and alkaline earth metals, the acid forms s alts (ricinoleates). In addition, it has the properties of olefins - ethylene hydrocarbons.
Acid has the following effects on the body of animals:
- painkillers;
- anti-inflammatory;
- bactericidal;
- regenerating;
- immunostimulatory.
Ricinoleic acid can act as a herbicide to inhibit the growth of blue-green algae.
Receive
The substance is obtained from castor oil in two main ways:
- As a result of alkaline hydrolysis followed by crystallization from methanol or acetone at low temperature (to purify the liquid). Oil molecules are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids.
- Fractional distillation after hydrolysis.
Technical castor oil is made by cold pressing the seeds of the castor bean, a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. Ricinoleic acid, the formula of which contains one hydroxyl group, allows dehydration (dehydration) of "castor oil" without its oxidation, or air purge.
Thanks to thisDuring the process, the oil acquires the ability to dry out, form a film and can be used as part of substances for technical needs. Factory yield is about 75%. At present, work is underway in agriculture to develop castor bean forms with a high content of ricinoleic acid.
Derivatives
Ricinoleic acid is a raw material for obtaining substances such as:
- Heptylaldehyde.
- Sebacic, ricinelaidic, undecylenic, polyricinoleic and azelaic acids.
- 2-octanol (caprylic alcohol).
- Various s alts, acid sulfates.
Industrial applications
The substance is used in the following industries:
- chemical;
- pharmaceutical;
- tannery;
- soap-making;
- textile;
- printing;
- metalworking;
- optical fiber and others.
The following technical products based on ricinoleic acid are used in production:
- epoxies (wear and corrosion resistant coatings);
- glycols (for solvents, plasticizers, antifreezes, esters, polyurethanes);
- chlorohydrins (solvents for the paint and varnish industry, the manufacture of polymeric materials);
- lubricants (based on castor oil);
- painting materials (linseed oil, varnishes, paints, enamels);
- raw materials formanufacturing of highly durable plastics.
The most common s alts are used for the following purposes:
- Sodium ricinoleate, which is a waxy substance, is an emulsifier in the manufacture of vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate; dispersant and lubricant in the textile industry.
- Lithium ricinoleate (solid paste) is a thickener for greases.
- Copper ricinoleate (waxy substance) - paints and varnishes, aseptic processing of ropes, wood materials, textiles.
- Magnesium ricinoleate is an anti-static additive for gasoline.
Medicine and cosmetology
In addition to the above qualities, acid has the following characteristics:
- high penetrating power in living tissues;
- emulsifying properties, dissolution of drugs and their delivery through mucous membranes;
- cytotoxicity to degenerate cells;
- ability to stimulate endogenous prostaglandins.
When contacted with mucous membranes, the substance may initially cause irritation, but with prolonged exposure it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Ricinoleic acid is used to repair damaged epithelium in dermatology, gynecology, urology and ophthalmology. According to studies, it can be used for the rehabilitation of patients after myocardial infarction, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect in relation to the coronary endothelium.
Zinc ricinoleate is used as an odor absorbent. This substance is added to deodorants, sticks and foot creams. It has the following features:
- does not prevent the natural evaporation of moisture through the skin;
- has a bactericidal and antifungal effect;
- capable of suppressing strong odors.
In cosmetology and the production of household chemicals, ricinoleic acid also finds the following applications:
- soap making;
- adding as an emollient to hair and skin care products;
- Introduction to cosmetics to stabilize its chemical properties.
