What is Undecylenic Acid and how is it made?

Undecylenic Acid is an 11‑carbon unsaturated fatty acid produced by thermal cracking of castor‑oil–derived ricinoleic acid or its methyl ester.

What are the main industrial uses of Undecylenic Acid?

It is used in antifungal pharmaceuticals and personal‑care products, as a precursor for nylon‑11 and bio‑based polymers, and in fragrances, flavors and specialty chemicals.

Why is Undecylenic Acid popular in antifungal products?

It shows strong activity against fungi such as Candida albicans, disrupting cell growth and biofilm formation, which makes it effective in topical antifungal creams and powders.

Is Undecylenic Acid bio‑based and sustainable?

Yes, commercial Undecylenic Acid is typically derived from castor oil, a renewable non‑food crop, supporting bio‑based and sustainable sourcing claims.

What purity grades are common for Undecylenic Acid?

High‑purity natural grades usually range from about 97–99% Undecylenic Acid, with tight limits on moisture, color and related fatty acids.

How should Undecylenic Acid be stored and handled?

Store in cool, dry, well‑ventilated conditions in tightly closed containers, away from oxidizers and bases; handle with standard PPE as it can irritate skin and eyes.

In which forms can Undecylenic Acid be supplied?

It is generally supplied as a liquid (or low‑melting solid) in drums or IBCs; derivatives such as salts and esters may be offered for specific applications.

What information should buyers request before ordering?

Buyers should request a full COA, specification sheet (purity, acid value, color), SDS, origin statement (castor‑based), and regulatory/compendial status for their target markets.

Undecylenic Acid from Castor Oil | CanCastor

Name: Undecylenic Acid
Brand: CanCastor
SKU: f1b207d5-4266-4e14-836f-bb7aa7f7f424
Availability: InStock

Description

Undecylenic Acid is a high-purity, organic unsaturated fatty acid derived from castor oil through thermal cracking. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid or low-melting solid with a characteristic odor.

Key Applications

Pharmaceuticals: Widely used as an active ingredient in antifungal formulations for treating skin infections like athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and ringworm, due to its ability to inhibit fungal growth and biofilm formation.
Polymers & Plastics: Serves as a crucial chemical intermediate and precursor for the production of Nylon-11 (Polyamide 11), a high-performance engineering bio-plastic known for its durability and flexibility.
Personal Care: Used in cosmetics, perfumes, and musk formulations as a fixative and intermediate.
Industrial: Acts as a raw material for specialty chemicals, corrosion inhibitors, and lubricants.

Our Undecylenic Acid is produced from renewable castor oil, making it a sustainable choice for bio-based chemical applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Origin	Castor-oil derivative
Purity	≥98%
Density	0.91–0.92 g/cm³ @ 20°C
Acid Value	Corresponds to theoretical
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
CAS Number	112-38-9
Boiling Point	254–255 °C

Technical Specifications

Undecylenic Acid

Description

Key Applications

Frequently Asked Questions

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