Castor Oil Fatty Acid (COFA)
Product Overview
Castor Oil Fatty Acid (COFA) is a mixture of fatty acids obtained by hydrolysis (splitting) of castor oil. It retains the characteristic chemistry of castor oil, dominated by ricinoleic acid, making it a versatile industrial intermediate for further chemical processing and formulation use.
COFA is typically selected where reactivity, process flexibility, and cost-effective conversion into downstream derivatives are required.
Manufacturing / Processing (High-Level)
Castor Oil Fatty Acid is produced through controlled hydrolysis of refined castor oil, followed by phase separation and purification. The process is designed to:
- Achieve efficient oil splitting
- Maintain hydroxyl functionality
- Control moisture and residual impurities
Processing parameters are standardized to ensure consistent acid composition and predictable reactivity.
Raw Material Origin
The base raw material is refined castor oil derived from Indian castor seeds, sourced from established agricultural regions. Raw oil consistency is critical for uniform fatty acid composition and downstream behavior.
In-House Quality Control & Consistency
Quality control focuses on acid value, moisture content, and fatty acid profile, which directly influence esterification, amidation, and other chemical reactions. Each batch is evaluated to maintain repeatable processing performance.
Batch documentation supports traceability and long-term supply reliability.
Key Properties (Indicative)
- Appearance: Pale yellow to amber liquid
- Odor: Mild, characteristic
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents
- Functional behavior: Reactive fatty acid mixture with hydroxyl functionality
Typical ranges are indicative and should be confirmed with the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Typical Applications
Castor Oil Fatty Acid is widely used in:
- Esters: lubricants, plasticizers, specialty esters
- Soaps & Surfactants: industrial and specialty formulations
- Lubricants & Greases: base and additive manufacture
- Coatings & Resins: alkyds and modified resins
- Specialty Chemicals: further chemical synthesis
Application suitability depends on process design and specification requirements.
Packaging Options
- HDPE drums
- MS drums
- IBCs
- Bulk tanker supply for high-volume buyers
Packaging is selected to ensure chemical stability, handling safety, and export readiness.
Bulk Supply & Export Readiness
Castor Oil Fatty Acid (COFA) is supplied in commercial and bulk quantities for domestic and international markets. The product is export-ready and supported with standard documentation.
Supply is managed on an inquiry basis, aligned with volume, packaging, and shipment planning.
Quality Documentation
Available upon request:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Documentation is batch-specific, supporting audits and buyer verification.
Traceability & Batch Control
Each production lot carries a unique batch identification, enabling backward traceability and consistent quality across repeat orders.
Who Should Use This Product
- Chemical manufacturers requiring reactive fatty acid feedstock
- Buyers producing castor-based esters and derivatives
- Industrial processors seeking manufacturer-direct sourcing
When to Use / When Not to Use
Use when:
- Fatty acid reactivity and hydroxyl functionality are required
- Flexible downstream conversion is planned
Not recommended when:
- Highly distilled or narrow-cut fatty acids are mandatory
Sample → Trial → Commercial Supply
Samples can be provided for laboratory or pilot-scale evaluation. Commercial supply follows successful trials and mutual specification confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How does COFA differ from DCOFA?
COFA is the standard split fatty acid mixture, while DCOFA is further distilled for higher purity and narrower composition.
Q2. Is COFA suitable for export markets?
Yes, it is regularly supplied to international buyers with standard documentation.
Q3. Can it be used for ester production?
Yes, it is commonly used for esterification and derivative synthesis.
Q4. Is long-term supply available?
Yes, with planned volumes and agreed specifications.
Long-Term Supply Perspective
Castor Oil Fatty Acid (COFA) is positioned as a core, versatile intermediate, emphasizing consistent composition, documentation readiness, and predictable chemical behavior. It supports long-term sourcing strategies for industrial chemical manufacturers.
