Ricinoleic acid (Molecule of the Month for January 2013)
Ricinoleic acid is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that naturally occurs in 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.
Ricinoleic acid exerts analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The zinc salt is used in personal care products, such as deodorants.
Formal Chemical Name (IUPAC)
(9Z,12R)-12-Hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid
click on the picture of Ricinoleic acid above to interact
with the 3D model of the
Ricinoleic acid structure
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C18H34O3
Update by Karl Harrison
(Molecule of the Month for
January 2013
)
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