Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) CAS 8001-78-3

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

• Q:

  What is Hydrogenated Castor Oil CAS 8001-78-3?

  A: Hydrogenated Castor Oil, also called Castor Wax or HCO, is the saturated, hardened derivative of castor oil with EINECS 232-292-2. It is normally a hard waxy solid supplied as flakes or powder, with a melting point commonly around 83-88 deg C.
• Q:

  How does Hydrogenated Castor Oil differ from unmodified Castor Oil?

  A: Unmodified castor oil is liquid or low-melting and contains unsaturated ricinoleic acid derivatives. Hydrogenation saturates the oil and raises the melting point, producing the solid Castor Wax form identified by CAS 8001-78-3, with much lower iodine value and different rheology.
• Q:

  What are the main applications of Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

  A: HCO is used as a thickener in lithium and calcium greases, a wax or rheology modifier in coatings, adhesives and polishes, and a hard wax in cosmetics and personal-care sticks. It can also serve as a pharmaceutical ointment base or excipient and as a feedstock for derivatives such as 12-hydroxystearic acid.
• Q:

  Which specifications should be confirmed for Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

  A: Key parameters are melting point, hydroxyl value, iodine value, acid value, saponification value, color and physical form. Typical values include melting point 83-88 deg C, hydroxyl value 145-165 mg KOH/g, iodine value max about 5 and saponification value about 174-186 mg KOH/g, but grease, coating and personal-care grades can differ.
• Q:

  How should Hydrogenated Castor Oil be stored, and what should a sourcing inquiry specify?

  A: Store HCO in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry and ventilated area, away from heat, strong oxidizers and ignition sources. A sourcing inquiry should specify CAS 8001-78-3, melting range, hydroxyl value, iodine value, physical form, intended application, quantity, packaging and destination.