Vegetable oil methyl esters

Vegetable oil methyl esters (CAS 68990-52-3), also marketed under the trade name Renol, are produced by transesterification of vegetable oils.

Where is Vegetable oil methyl esters used?

• Industrial and institutional cleaning: degreasing solvents for oils, greases and soils on hard surfaces
• Metalworking: base fluids or diluents in cutting oils and rolling fluids
• Metalworking fluids: wetting agent.
• Rust-preventive coatings: low toxicity and biodegradability
• Plastics processing: plasticizer carriers and processing aids improving dispersion and flow during compounding
• Agrochemical concentrates, coatings and specialty cleaning: carrier solvents
• Concrete release agent.
• Bitumen fluxing, lowering the bitumen working temperature.
• They function as biodegradable solvents, carriers and lubricant base fluids.

Good to know: Derived from renewable feedstocks, they offer a bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived solvents and process oils; useful where environmental compliance or biodegradability is a procurement consideration.

Formulation notes

• Unlike diesel fuel, not toxic to fish, daphnia, algae and bacteria.

Typical specification

• Kauri-Butanol index (KB) greater than 65.
• HLB value approximately 11.
• Kinematic viscosity 4 to 6 mm²/s at 40°C.
• Flash point typically greater than 150°C.
• Not soluble in water.

Regulatory status

• Defined as mono-alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids from vegetable or animal oils, meeting specifications set by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, General Directorate of Energy Affairs (Türkiye).
• According to the methods used for the German water hazard classification (WGK), not classified as hazardous to waters.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store tightly closed and dry.

Frequently asked questions about Vegetable oil methyl esters

What is the fatty acid composition of this grade?

This grade is based on a majority of C18 fatty acids, with methyl stearate, oleate, linoleate and ricinoleate accounting for more than 75%.

Which vegetable oil methyl ester grades have been tested?

The grades tested are rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME), erucic rapeseed oil methyl ester (ERME), sunflower oil methyl ester (SME) and high oleic sunflower oil methyl ester (HOSME).

What is the fatty acid mono ester content?

Vegetable oil methyl esters contain more than 99.5% fatty acid mono esters.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.