Undecylenic acid is an organic unsaturated fatty acid derived from castor oil. It is the common name of 10-undecenoic acid, (CH2CH(CH2)8COOH). It is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and perfumery, including antidandruff shampoos, antimicrobial powders and as a musk in perfumes and aromas. Undecylenic acid is produced by cracking of castor oil under pressure. Undecylenic acid is the active ingredient in medications for skin infections, and relieves itching, burning, and irritation. For example, it is used against fungal skin infections, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch or Candida albicans. When used for jock itch, it can result in extreme burning, as the skin is rather sensitive. Undecylenic acid can be used in silicon-based biosensors. Monolayers can be made on bare silicon transducer surfaces with the help of covalent bonds between silicon atom and the double bonds of undecylenic acid.
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