A simple and rapid polarimetric method for quantitative determination of castor oil

A simple and rapid polarimetric method is developed for quantitation of adulteration of castor oil in edible oils such as cottonseed, coconut, mustard, olive, palm, peanut, rice bran, safflower, soybean, and sunflower. The method is based on the optical activity of ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxy octadecenoic acid), a major constituent of castor oil. There is a good correlation between optical rotation and castor oil content in admixtures above 5%. Highly colored and viscous oils interfere in the measurement of optical activity. The method is highly specific and cost-effective. No solvents and chemicals are required for the analysis because no sample processing is involved in the present method.