Names | |
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Preferred IUPAC name
(9Z,12R)-12-Hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid | |
Other names
(R)-12-Hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid
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Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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ChEBI | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.004.974 |
KEGG | |
PubChem CID
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UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
C18H34O3 | |
Molar mass | 298.461 g/mol |
Density | 0.945 g/cm3 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Ricinoleic acid, formally called 12-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid is a fatty acid. It is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid[1] and a hydroxy acid. It is a major component of the seed oil obtained from mature castor plant (Ricinus communis L., Euphorbiaceae) seeds or in sclerotium of ergot (Claviceps purpurea Tul., Clavicipitaceae). About 90% of the fatty acid content in castor oil is the triglyceride formed from ricinoleic acid.
Ricinoleic acid is manufactured for industries by saponification or fractional distillation of hydrolyzed castor oil.[2]
The first attempts to prepare ricinoleic acid were made by Friedrich Krafft in 1888.[3]
Sebacic acid ((CH2)8(CO2H)2), which is used in preparing certain nylons, is produced by cleavage of ricinoleic acid. The coproduct is 2-octanol.[4]
The zinc salt is used in personal care products such as deodorants.[5]
Ricinoleic acid exerts analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.[6]
Ricinoleic acid specifically activates the EP3 prostanoid receptor for prostaglandin E2.[7]
Ricinoleic acid acts as a specific algicide for the control of cyanobacteria (formerly called blue-green algae).[8]