Ricinoleic acid is a product of the processing of castor oil. The substance is widely used in the chemical industry, and some of its properties are promising for the manufacture of new pharmaceutical preparations. In cosmetology, acid is used as a safe supplement that performs various functions.
Description
Ricinoleic (12-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic) acid is an aliphatic organic unsaturated fatty hydroxy acid. The density of the substance is 0.945 g / cm 3 (at 25 ° C). It is a colorless viscous liquid, insoluble in water. Its boiling point is 226 ° C (at atmospheric pressure).
Chemical formula: CH 3 (CH 2 ) 5 CH (OH) CH 2 CH = CH (CH 2 ) 7 COOH. The molecule contains only one unsaturated bond.
Ricinoleic acid triglycerides 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.
Ricinoleic acid: properties
Due to its structure, the acid is chemically active. It participates in pyrolysis, hydrolysis, processes for producing high molecular weight compounds, and can create new intercarbon bonds in reactions with other organic components. With alkaline and alkaline earth metals, acid forms salts (ricinoleates). In addition, it has properties inherent in olefins - ethylene hydrocarbons.
Acid has the following effects on animals:
- painkiller;
- anti-inflammatory;
- bactericidal;
- regenerative;
- immunostimulating.
Ricinoleic acid can act as a herbicide that slows the growth of blue-green algae.
Getting
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 cleanse 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 castor oil ordinary - plants from the family of euphorbiaceae. Ricinoleic acid, the formula of which contains one hydroxyl group, allows the castor to dehydrate (dehydrate) without oxidizing it or blowing it with air.
Thanks to this process, the oil acquires the ability to dry, form a film and can be used as part of substances for technical needs. Factory output is about 75%. Currently, in agriculture, work is underway to remove forms of castor oil with a high content of ricinoleic acid.
Derivatives
Ricinoleic acid is a raw material for the production of substances such as:
- Heptyl aldehyde.
- Sebacic, ricinelaidic, undecylenic, polyricinoleic and azelaic acids.
- 2-octanol (caprylic alcohol).
- Various salts, acid sulfates.
Industrial application
The substance is used in the following industries:
- chemical;
- pharmaceutical;
- leather;
- soap making;
- textile;
- printing;
- metalworking;
- fiber optic communication and others.
The following technical products based on ricinoleic acid are used in production:
- epoxides (wear-resistant 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);
- paints and varnishes (drying oil, varnishes, paints, enamels);
- raw materials for the manufacture of highly durable plastics.
The most common salts 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 (a solid pasty product) is a thickener for plastic lubricants.
- Copper ricinoleate (waxy substance) - paints and varnishes, aseptic processing of ropes, wood materials, textiles.
- Magnesium ricinoleate is an antistatic additive to gasoline.
Medicine and cosmetology
In addition to the above qualities, the acid has the following characteristics:
- high penetration in living tissues;
- emulsifying properties, dissolution of drugs and their delivery through mucous membranes;
- cytotoxicity towards degenerated cells;
- ability to stimulate endogenous prostaglandins.
If it enters the 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 to rehabilitate patients after myocardial infarction, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect in relation to coronary endothelium.
Zinc ricinoleate is used as an odor absorbent. This substance is added to deodorants, sticks and creams for the feet. The following features are characteristic of it:
- does not interfere with the natural evaporation of moisture through the skin;
- has a bactericidal and antifungal effect;
- able to suppress strong odors.
In cosmetology and the production of household chemicals, ricinoleic acid also finds the following application:
- soap making;
- adding as an emollient component to hair and skin care products;
- introduction to the composition of cosmetics to stabilize its chemical properties.