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Three types of long chain, monobasic acids are derived from castor oil: Hydroxylated Acids, which retain the hydroxyl group and double bond (P-®10 Acid and Flexricin® 100); Undecylenic Acid, resulting from the catalytic conversion of castor oil; and a conjugated acid from the conversion of Castung® dehydrated castor oil to the acid, the end result of hydrolysis and distillation (9-11 Acids). A fourth type of monobasic acid, derived from hydrogenated castor oil (i.e. Castorwax®, is 12-Hydroxystearic Acid (12-HSA).

A dibasic acid can also be derived from castor oil. It is produced by a proprietary new process developed by Vertellus to produce Sebacic Acid.

P-®10 Acid is derived by careful controlled hydrolysis of refined castor oil to yield ricinoleic acid (hydroxyoleic acid), which is a hydroxy fatty acid with a double bond in the 9-10 position and a hydroxyl on the 12th carbon. The hydroxyl group and double bond provide a unique combination of reaction possibilities. P-®10 Acids impart lubricity and rust-proofing qualities to soluble cutting oils. The soaps, amine compounds and esters which are derived from P-®10 Acid are used in cutting oils, industrial lubricants, emulsifiers and metal-working compounds. Transparent bar soaps and high solids liquid soaps are made possible by the hydroxyoleic structure.

Flexricin® 100 is a stabilized variant of P-®10 Acid. It has lower acid value, lower hydroxyl value and lower reactivity than P-®10 Acid. It is used in the same applications listed above for P-®10 Acid.

12-Hydroxystearic Acid (12-HSA) is the saturated counterpart of P-®10 Acid. 12-HSA is produced from hydrogenated castor oil (Castorwax®). Its high melting point and hydroxyl bearing chain produce glycerine-free gel structures of great strength and workability, the dominant feature of heavy duty greases. The hydroxystearic characteristics are utilized in cosmetics, toilet goods, wax blends, polishes, inks and hot melt adhesives. Reaction with acrylic esters produces hard, durable, thermosetting polymers used in high quality finishes. In coatings resins, the hardness, high melting point and reactive hydroxyl group are utilized in both solvent and water-based polymers as well as plasticizer systems. 12-HSA is also a major component in lithium and calcium based multi-purpose lubricating greases. It also functions as an activator and internal lubricant for natural and synthetic rubber.

9-11 Acids is a high purity, conjugated drying oil acid for alkyd resins, epoxy esters and copolymers requiring a combination of flexibility, adhesion, baking speed, color retention, chemical resistance, mar resistance and water resistance. 9-11 Acid contains a negligible amount of linolenic acid, a yellowing factor, and a combined oleic and saturated acids content less than 10%. There are no rosin acids nor unsaponifiable matter present.

Undecylenic Acid is produced by the pyrolysis of castor oil. Undecylenic Acid (11-undecenoic acid) has eleven carbons with a vinyl unsaturation. It is one of the few odd numbered acids. It meets the National Formulary requirements. Undecylenic Acid is commonly used in industrial fungicides and bactericides. It is also used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis, polyamide plastics and fibers, perfume bases and synthetic floors.

Sebacic Acid is a high purity, dibasic acid used as an intermediate to make various plasticizers, lubricants, hydraulic fluids and in nylon production.