Sulfated Castor Oil (CAS 8002-33-3) | Turkey Red Oil

Introduction to Sulfated Castor Oil

Sulfated Castor Oil, commonly known as Turkey Red Oil, is an anionic surfactant produced by sulfating natural castor oil. Its glyceride backbone retains ricinoleate fatty chains, while introduced sulfate ester groups turn the naturally water-insoluble oil into a water-dispersible liquid. It is widely used in textile and leather processing to wet fiber surfaces, stabilize oil droplets and emulsify dye systems.

Unlike unmodified castor oil, it forms stable milky dispersions in water at common use concentrations. The material is sensitive to acid hydrolysis: exposure to pH below 4 at elevated temperatures breaks sulfate ester bonds, reduces water dispersibility and can cause batch separation. It should be stored sealed and neutralized carefully during use. Stir thoroughly before sampling, as natural oil-based lots may stratify or darken with age.

Sulfated Castor Oil Chemical & Physical Properties

Applications of Sulfated Castor Oil

Textile dyeing & printing
Lowers bath surface tension and disperses dye aggregates for more uniform fiber penetration. The ricinoleate chains lubricate yarn surfaces to reduce friction and breakage during processing.

Leather fatliquoring
Stabilizes oil droplets in tanning baths, allowing glyceride oils to penetrate collagen fiber networks. This reduces fiber friction and imparts a soft, supple feel to finished leather.

Oil-in-water emulsification
Functions as a primary emulsifier to form stable milky O/W emulsions. Sulfate head groups anchor in the aqueous phase while fatty glyceride tails dissolve in the oil phase, supporting stable emulsion systems.

Bath & cleansing formulations
Solubilizes vegetable oils and fragrance oils into aqueous bath products, and leaves a mild emollient film on skin after rinsing.

Storage & Safety Precautions for Sulfated Castor Oil

• Store in sealed HDPE or lined drums at 5–35 °C, away from direct sunlight, strong acids, oxidizers and cationic materials. Acid contact hydrolyzes sulfate esters and causes separation; cationic materials trigger precipitation.
• Stir drums thoroughly before sampling. Natural sulfated oil may stratify during storage, leading to variations in color and viscosity between layers.
• Wear chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves and long-sleeve clothing during handling. Absorb spills with inert material then rinse with water, as spilled liquid creates slippery surfaces.
• Classified as Non-DG for standard transport. Refer to the current SDS for full hazard details before booking cargo.

Sulfated Castor Oil FAQ

Q: What does “sulfated” mean for Turkey Red Oil?

A: It means sulfate ester groups bond to hydroxyl sites on the castor oil structure, making the oil water-dispersible while retaining lubricating properties. Acid conditions can break these bonds and reduce performance.

Q: Why does Turkey Red Oil separate in acidic dye baths?

A: Low pH, heat or high electrolyte levels destabilize the sulfate emulsion. Below pH 4, sulfate esters hydrolyze and calcium/magnesium ions can cause flocculation. Keep pH between 5–8 and test dispersions before full batch use.

Q: Can Turkey Red Oil replace synthetic anionic surfactants in emulsions?

A: It can partially replace them in formulations where lubrication is also needed. It works best in neutral to mildly alkaline systems, and requires compatibility testing with preservatives and high-electrolyte ingredients.