Hydrogenated Castor Oil occurs as a fine, almost white or pale yellow powder or flakes. The PhEur 6.0 describes hydrogenated castor oil as the oil obtained by hydrogenation of virgin castor oil. It consists mainly of the triglyceride of 12-hydroxystearic acid.
Nonproprietary Names
- BP: Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- PhEur: Castor Oil, Hydrogenated
- USP-NF: Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Synonyms
Castorwax; Castorwax MP 70; Castorwax MP 80; Croduret; Cutina HR; Fancol; ricini oleum hydrogenatum.
Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number
Glyceryl-tri-(12-hydroxystearate) [8001-78-3]
Empirical Formula and Molecular Weight
C57O9H110 939.50
The USP32–NF27 describes hydrogenated castor oil as the refined, bleached, hydrogenated, and deodorized castor oil, consisting mainly of the triglyceride of hydroxystearic acid.
Functional Category
Extended release agent; stiffening agent; tablet and capsule lubricant.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation or Technology
Hydrogenated castor oil is a hard wax with a high melting point used in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. In topical formulations, hydrogenated castor oil is used to provide stiffness to creams and emulsions. In oral formulations, hydrogenated castor oil is used to prepare sustained-release tablet and capsule preparations; the hydrogenated castor oil may be used as a coat or to form a solid matrix.
Hydrogenated castor oil is additionally used to lubricate the die walls of tablet presses; and is similarly used as a lubricant in food processing. Hydrogenated castor oil is also used in cosmetics.
Method of Manufacture
Hydrogenated castor oil is prepared by the hydrogenation of castor oil using a catalyst.
