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Vertellus supplies a variety of castor oil grades whose uses are dictated by acid value, moisture level, color and purity. Castor oil is a triglyceride of fatty acids, with the fatty acid content being approximately 90% ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is an 18-carbon acid having a double bond in the 9-10 position and a hydroxyl group on the 12th carbon. Its remarkably constant composition, hydroxyl functionality and unsaturation make it uniquely versatile as a naturally occurring compound.

Castor Oil is available from several sources. Scientific and historical records reveal that regardless of origin, the chemical nature and composition are remarkably uniform. Typical values in the table below hold true for the grades of refined castor oils in the above table.

#1 Imported Oil is a technical grade castor oil, which has only received a coarse filtration. It is used in industrial applications, has the highest moisture content of these grades of oil, and is at times hazy.

Dry #1 Imported Oil is a technical grade castor oil, which has only received a coarse filtration. It is used in industrial applications, has the highest moisture content of these grades of oil, and is at times hazy. Lower % moisture than #1 Imported Oil.

AA® Standard is a high purity castor oil for industrial use. It is designed for applications requiring low color, with lower acidity and lower moisture content.

AA® USP is a grade of castor oil that is free of foreign matter and rancid products, also maintaining the typical castor oil odor and bland taste necessary for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. AA® USP meets the requirements of the United States Pharmacopoeia.

Crystal® Crown is a refined castor oil with antioxidant that is odorless, tasteless, light in color and good in clarity. Crystal® Crown meets the USP requirements and CTFA standards for castor oil.

Crystal® O is a refined castor oil with antioxidant that is odorless, tasteless, light in color and good in clarity. Crystal® O meets the USP requirements and CTFA standards for castor oil.

Crystal® P is a non-USP refined grade of castor oil without antioxidant. Crystal® P is processed to obtain light color, low moisture and good clarity. It is ideal for use in lower end cosmetic applications where a USP grade is not required. Crystal® P retains the typical castor oil odor.

Extra Pale is a grade of castor oil having a lighter color, slightly higher acid value and higher water content.

Dry Extra Pale is a grade of castor oil having a lighter color, slightly higher acid value and higher water content, yet a lower % of moisture than Extra Pale.

Filtered Neutral Oil is a grade of castor oil having a very low acid value.

Dry Filtered Neutral Oil is a grade of castor oil having a very low acid value, but a lower % of moisture than Filtered Neutral Oil.

DB® Oil is the highest grade of refined castor oil. It was developed for use in areas where a low acidity and moisture content are critical. DB® Oil is an ideal product for use in applications such as sonar fluid, liquid dielectrics and urethane reactions.

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Vertellus Products • Castor Oil and its Chemistry • Vertellus Home Page