Castor Oleochemistry Technical Glossary
An authoritative guide to key chemical parameters, ASTM/AOCS testing standards, and molecular metrics governing refined castor oils, hydrogenated waxes, and fatty acid derivatives.
The number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide (KOH) equivalent to the hydroxyl content of one gram of chemical substance. In castor oil, it quantifies the ricinoleic acid concentration.
The mass of iodine in grams consumed by 100 grams of chemical substance, measuring the degree of unsaturation (carbon-carbon double bonds).
The number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide (KOH) consumed by the free fatty acids present in one gram of fat or oil.
The number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide (KOH) required to hydrolyze into glycerol and potassium salts one gram of fat or oil.
The primary fatty acid constituent of castor oil: 12-hydroxy-cis-9-octadecenoic acid (C18H34O3), representing 85% to 92% of the oil's total fatty acid profile.
Visual color measurement standards for liquid resins, oils, and chemical derivatives, measuring yellow, red, and amber hues.
A chemical reaction where molecular hydrogen (H2) is added across the carbon-carbon double bonds of castor oil in the presence of a nickel catalyst, transforming liquid oil into hard crystalline wax.
The percentage of water and insoluble suspended matter present in castor oil, determined via oven drying or Karl Fischer coulometric titration.
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