Chemical laboratory

Pure Castor Oil

Natural Triglyceride Oil for Industrial Applications

  • CAS 8001-79-4
  • Formula Mixture (primarily triglycerides of ricinoleic acid)
  • Flash Pt 229 °C
  • Density 0.956 - 0.961 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 313 °C °C
Flash point 229 °C °C
Density 0.956 - 0.961 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, and glacial acetic acid. -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight Varies g/mol
Melting point -12 to -10 °C °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp 448 °C -
Appearance Pale yellow or almost colorless, clear, viscous liquid -
Odor Slight characteristic odor -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Pure Castor Oil (CAS 8001-79-4) is a natural triglyceride oil derived from castor beans, consisting primarily of ricinoleic acid esters. This pale yellow to almost colorless, viscous liquid offers exceptional chemical stability and unique properties that make it invaluable across multiple industrial sectors. With its high flash point of 229°C and excellent solubility in organic solvents, castor oil serves as a versatile raw material for manufacturing processes requiring reliable performance and consistent quality.

Key Applications

  • Industrial Lubricants: Superior viscosity characteristics and thermal stability make it ideal for high-temperature lubrication systems and specialized machinery applications
  • Polymer & Plastics Production: Functions as a plasticizer and polymer modifier, enhancing flexibility and processing characteristics in various resin systems
  • Hydraulic Fluids: Excellent viscosity index and biodegradability properties provide environmentally conscious hydraulic system solutions
  • Coatings & Sealants: Contributes to film formation and durability in protective coating formulations and industrial sealant applications

Safety & Handling

With a flash point of 229°C and autoignition temperature of 448°C, Pure Castor Oil presents minimal fire hazards under normal handling conditions. Standard industrial safety practices should be observed, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas to prevent vapor accumulation. The material is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in alcohol, chloroform, and other organic solvents.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store in tightly sealed containers away from heat sources and incompatible materials. Maintain storage temperatures between 15-25°C to preserve optimal viscosity and prevent crystallization, as the material has a melting point range of -12 to -10°C. Keep containers in dry, well-ventilated areas and avoid exposure to strong oxidizing agents. Properly stored material maintains stability for extended periods when protected from moisture and contamination.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides same-day shipping of Pure Castor Oil from our Taylor, Texas facility, ensuring rapid delivery throughout the region. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS, LTL, and FTL services to meet your volume requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation, guaranteeing product quality and regulatory compliance for your industrial applications.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pure Castor Oil (CAS 8001-79-4) and what is it used for?
Pure Castor Oil is a vegetable triglyceride rich in ricinoleic acid (CAS 8001-79-4) used as a raw material in industrial and laboratory applications. Common uses include lubricants, coatings, plasticizers, polymer intermediates, surfactants and specialty chemical synthesis.
How should I store pure castor oil and what is its typical shelf life?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers away from heat and strong oxidizers; avoid direct sunlight. Typical shelf life is 12–24 months when stored sealed under recommended conditions, but actual stability depends on storage and handling.
What safety precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) are recommended when handling castor oil?
Use chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and suitable work clothing to avoid prolonged skin contact and splashes; ensure good ventilation. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed first-aid, exposure controls and spill response procedures.
What does '100% concentration' mean for castor oil and how does it differ from other grades?
'100% concentration' indicates neat, undiluted castor oil with no added solvents or carriers. Other grades include refined/technical, USP/cosmetic grades (with tighter limits on color, odor and acid value) and hydrogenated derivatives (castor wax) that have different physical properties.
What documentation is available for pure castor oil?
Typical documentation includes a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) listing parameters such as acid value, saponification and iodine value, and a Technical Data Sheet (TDS); export and origin documents can be provided on request. Specific analytical reports can be supplied for large orders or qualification purposes.
How is pure castor oil packaged and shipped?
Common packaging options are sample bottles, drums (e.g., 200 L), intermediate bulk containers (IBCs/totes) and bulk ISO tank shipments. Castor oil is typically not classified as a dangerous good for transport, but shipping must comply with carrier and destination country regulations and packaging requirements.
What materials is castor oil compatible with and what should be avoided?
Castor oil is generally compatible with stainless steel (304/316), glass and HDPE containers and is miscible with many organic solvents and alcohols. Avoid strong oxidizers and verify long-term compatibility with certain elastomers and rubber materials, as some rubbers can swell or degrade.
What are the typical technical specifications for 100% pure castor oil?
Typical specifications: appearance pale yellow viscous liquid; density ~0.955–0.970 g/cm3 (25°C); refractive index ~1.476–1.479 (20°C); viscosity ~500–1,000 mPa·s (25°C); acid value ~160–190 mg KOH/g; iodine value ~82–88 g I2/100g; saponification value ~175–185 mg KOH/g; moisture ≤0.5%. Exact values vary by supplier and batch and are provided on the COA.
Which industries and applications commonly use pure castor oil?
Industries using castor oil include coatings and paints, lubricants and greases, adhesives and inks, polymer and resin manufacture (including polyurethane and nylon-11 intermediates), metalworking fluids and laboratory research. It is valued where high hydroxyl functionality and natural oil properties are required for formulation or synthesis.
How can I purchase pure castor oil and what are typical lead times and minimum order quantities?
Purchase through chemical distributors or direct from manufacturers; suppliers typically offer samples up to small drums and bulk orders in drums, IBCs or tankers. Lead times vary by quantity and location but commonly range from a few days for stocked sample/drum orders to 1–4 weeks for larger or customized shipments—contact the supplier for pricing, MOQs and logistics.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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