Castor oil is used in food additives, flavorings, candy and as a mold inhibitor. Its derivatives are used in the production of soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, coatings, lithium grease and cold resistant plastics. It finds application in waxes, polishes, nylon, pharmaceuticals and perfumes. It is involved in the preparation of linoleic acids by dehydration, 2-octanol, sebacic acid and undecylenic acid, which is a precursor for polymer nylon 11 and heptanal. It is involved in the preparation of 12-hydroxystearic acid by hydrogenation and saponification. It is useful as a lubricant in jet, diesel, and racing engine. Further, it is used as a laxative.
