Castor oil (glyceryl tri-ricinoleate) can be alcoholyzed at the carboxyl position and esterified at the hydroxyl group. The alkyl esters, particularly those in which the hydroxyl has been replaced by an acetoxy group, are plasticizers for many natural and synthetic resins and elastomers, including polyvinyl chloride, nitrocellulose, ethylcellulose and rubber polymers
Saturation of the double bond in the ricinoleate esters yields hydroxy and acetoxy stearates which have improved stability to oxidation and resistance to ultraviolet light. Acetyl ricinoleates and acetoxystearates are outstanding oiliness agents for use in the compounding of lubricants and textile processing aids.
Transesterification of the ricinoleates and the hydroxystearates with glycerol and glycols yield useful chemical intermediates, wetting agents and dye solvents.