Castor Oil Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline comes from the chemical modification of fatty acids found in castor oil, forming a unique amphoteric imidazoline structure. This means the molecule carries both positive and negative charges at different pH levels, allowing it to interact flexibly across a range of chemical environments. Producers use high-purity ricinoleic acid as a raw material, reacting it under carefully controlled conditions to achieve the imidazoline ring, which gives the compound its amphoteric properties. This compound holds steady performance in high and low pH systems, making it suitable for many cleaning, textile, and personal care applications.
This substance can present as white or pale yellow flakes, a granular powder, soft pearls, or, less frequently, as a viscous liquid or crystalline solid. The appearance depends on processing and purity. The typical molecular formula is C19H37N2O3. Density varies but often ranges around 0.94 to 1.03 g/cm³ at room temperature, depending on moisture content and form. The amphoteric imidazoline ring attached to the long fatty acid chain forms the backbone, giving this chemical its surfactant properties and reactivity in both acidic and basic systems. This dual nature matters in practical use, letting one product perform the work of several, cutting down storage requirements and simplifying logistics for chemical processors.
Producers usually list Castor Oil Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline under the HS Code 3402, which covers organic surface-active agents. The molecular structure features an imidazoline ring, which separates it from more basic fatty acid derivatives. Specifications detail active matter percentages—usually 95% or above for flakes and powders, 30-40% for aqueous solutions. Viscosity changes noticeably with concentration and temperature; this affects dosing accuracy and mixing rates. Those who work with the solid forms value their ease of transportation and storage: less risk of spillage, no drums leaking, easier weighing. The aqueous liquid version offers convenience in bulk mixing and rapid solution preparation, especially in automated systems.
Flakes, powder, and pearls come in strong moisture-resistant bags, while liquid and crystalline forms often arrive in drums or totes. Bulk density fluctuates between 400-700 kg/m³, which plays a role in transportation costs and shipping space. At room temperature, the flakes dissolve readily in water, producing clear or slightly hazy solutions. Crystalline forms signal higher purity, but often cost more to produce. To dissolve larger quantities for premixes, gradual addition to water with moderate agitation works best to prevent clumping and ensure even hydration.
Handling this substance safely relies on standard lab hygiene: gloves, goggles, and local ventilation to avoid dust or fumes, particularly during batch mixing or when working with powders. Castor oil-derived substances sometimes cause mild skin or eye irritation, but no persistent hazards are typical under recommended conditions. Still, inhalation of dust from powders or prolonged skin contact, especially in industrial settings, calls for protection. Storage away from strong acids or bases avoids unwanted decomposition or fume formation. Direct combustion isn’t a risk, but like any organic chemical, it burns if exposed to enough heat. According to current chemical safety data, this imidazoline has a low profile for chronic toxicity, with most harm tracing back to improper handling or failure of ventilation.
Sourcing raw materials starts with ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid drawn from castor oil, itself a product of the castor bean. This renewable feedstock is chemically joined with specialty amines, under heat and controlled atmosphere, to close the imidazoline ring. This backbone provides strong interfacial action for detergency, wetting, or antistatic roles. Over the years, as more companies look for sustainable and renewable raw materials, castor oil remains a top choice: it doesn’t compete with major food crops, grows on marginal land, and delivers a consistent fatty acid profile for industrial chemistry. Imidazoline surfactants, thanks to their amphoteric nature, fit into plenty of final products— textiles, shampoos, corrosion inhibitors, and oilfield chemicals. The structure also means regulatory requirements for labeling, MSDS, and transportation remain manageable for most chemical buyers.
This is a chemical that pulls its weight in several sectors. A supplier, a formulator, or even someone in waste treatment needs to understand—accurately—the properties all the way from density to safe handling. A clear grasp of molecular formula and structure means faster problem-solving when batches act up, or when an end-use changes and new behaviors appear. By understanding how raw material fluctuations or impurities affect solid, powder, or liquid product forms, buyers avoid downtime and inconsistent performance. Safety hinges on using gloves and goggles, not for worst-case scenarios but for the repetitive everyday contact that leads to chronic trouble. People in operations and maintenance are the ones who deal with leaked drums, spattered powder, humidity-damaged bags: specific technical information means practical improvements in workplace safety and long-term reliability.
