The effects of the preheating temperature and pyrolysis temperature on the pyrolysis process of methyl ricinoleate were studied. The experimental results were analyzed using the response surface method and the optimal conditions were determined by the Derringer-Suich method using the Strategy Application System (SAS). The calculated results showed that the optimal preheating and pyrolysis temperatures were 500 degrees C and 562 degrees C, respectively. Under these conditions, the yields of heptaldehyde and methyl undecenoate, and the loss of methyl ricinoleate were 28.0%, 47.9%, and 12.9%, respectively.