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Dimeric ricinoleate refers to a dimer acid ester, specifically formed by the dimerization of ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil. This process links two ricinoleic acid molecules into a larger, branched C36 dicarboxylic acid molecule.
Its key properties include being a high-molecular-weight, viscous liquid with excellent stability, flexibility, and resistance to oxidation.
Primary applications leverage its plasticizing and modifying abilities:
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Valued as a non-greasy, occlusive emollient and pigment wetting agent in lipsticks, creams, and sunscreens.
Industrial Polymers: Used as a flexible monomer in polyamides and polyesters to improve toughness and water resistance.
Lubricants & Plasticizers: Provides low volatility and good solvency in synthetic lubricants and plasticizers for polymers.
In short, it is a versatile, bio-based chemical building block prized for enhancing flexibility, stability, and feel in formulations.
Dimeric Ricinoleate is a specialized ester formed from dimer acid and alcohols, most commonly derived from ricinoleic acid, the principal fatty acid in castor oil. The process involves a chemical reaction called dimerization, where two molecules of ricinoleic acid are linked together to form a larger, more complex molecule known as a C36 dicarboxylic acid. This dimer acid is then esterified with an alcohol, such as glycerol or another polyol, to create the final compound.
The dimerization process creates a molecule with a branched, cyclic structure, which is fundamentally different from the straight-chain structure of the original fatty acids. This altered structure is responsible for its unique and valuable properties.
The unique structure of dimeric ricinoleate赋予 it a set of exceptional characteristics:
High Molecular Weight & Viscosity: It is a thick, viscous liquid.
Excellent Flexibility: The long, branched chain remains very flexible, preventing it from crystallizing or becoming brittle.
Superb Stability: It is highly resistant to oxidation, heat, and hydrolysis compared to simpler esters.
Low Volatility: It does not easily evaporate or degrade at high temperatures.
Exceptional Solvency & Compatibility: It is miscible with a wide range of oils and organic compounds.
Occlusive & Emollient: In cosmetics, it leaves a smooth, non-greasy, protective film on the skin that helps prevent moisture loss.
The production occurs in two main steps:
Dimerization: Ricinoleic acid is heated under controlled conditions, often with a catalyst. This causes two molecules to link together, primarily through a reaction between their double bonds, forming dimer acid.
Esterification: The resulting dimer acid is then reacted with an alcohol (e.g., glycerol, ethylene glycol) to form the ester, which is then purified.
Industry | Application | Function & Benefit |
---|---|---|
Cosmetics & Personal Care | Pigment Wetting Agent: In sunscreens and color cosmetics (lipstick, makeup). Emollient & Occlusive Agent: In creams, lotions, and balms. Gloss Enhancer: In lip products. | Excellently disperses pigments for smooth color. Provides a rich, luxurious, non-sticky skin feel, enhances shine, and improves water resistance. |
Polymer & Plastic Industries | Flexible Monomer: Used in synthetic polyamides (nylons) and polyesters. | Incorporates flexibility, impact resistance, and water resistance into otherwise rigid polymers. Used in hot-melt adhesives, inks, and coatings. |
Industrial Lubricants | Base Oil or Additive in synthetic lubricants and greases. | Provides high thermal stability, low pour point (stays fluid at low temps), and good lubricity. |
In essence, dimeric ricinoleate is a high-performance, bio-based chemical building block. Its value lies in the dimerization process, which transforms a common fatty acid into a large, complex molecule with superior stability, flexibility, and solvency. It is primarily prized for its ability to act as a non-greasy emollient and pigment dispersant in high-end cosmetics and as a flexibilizing agent for advanced polymers and lubricants, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived ingredients.
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