ABSTRACT
Castor oil has long been a valuable asset for industrial and medicinal markets due to its unique chemical properties. In the early 1900s, castor oil became a popular ingredient in motor oils as it improved the properties of conventional petroleum-based oil. Castor beans grow best in hot, dry climates with sandy soil such as India or Brazil. Castor oil is available commercially in either pharmaceutical or industrial grade. Castor oil is known for its high content of ricinoleic acid. Castor oil has long been used in the lubricant market because of its versatile chemistry. Perhaps of more commercial significance are castor oil derivatives. Production of sebacic acid (SBA) is a major commercial outlet for castor oil. The reaction of castor oil involves caustic fusion to yield SBA and capryl alcohol as a by-product. Castor oil has long proven itself an asset in industrial markets, particularly in lubrication and grease.
