MSDS Overview: Citrate Esters

Identification

Product Name: Triethyl Citrate, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Tributyl Citrate
Chemical Family: Citrate Esters
Synonyms: Ethyl Citrate, Triethyl 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
Recommended Use: Plasticizer, food additive, cosmetic ingredient, pharmaceutical excipient
Manufacturer Contact: Name, phone number, address of the supplier, emergency hotline
CAS Numbers: 77-93-0 (Triethyl Citrate), 77-90-7 (Tributyl Citrate), 77-89-4 (Acetyl Tributyl Citrate)

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for most citrate esters; mild eye and skin irritant
Signal Word: None required in most jurisdictions
Hazard Statements: May cause slight eye or skin irritation; ingestion may upset digestive tract
Pictograms: None under GHS; workplace signage may vary
Precautionary Statements: Avoid eye and prolonged skin contact. Rinse thoroughly if exposed. Do not inhale vapors or ingest product.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Triethyl Citrate (TEC), Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (ATBC), Tributyl Citrate (TBC)
Concentration: 95-100% pure, trace impurities below reporting thresholds
Ingredient Identity: Listed by IUPAC name and CAS registry number for full traceability
Common Contaminants: Unreacted citric acid, ethanol, butanol (often below 0.5%)
Stabilizers or Additives: US Pharmacopeia and food grade products contain no intentional additives or stabilizers

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of cool water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention if feeling unwell
Symptoms and Effects: Mild irritation, no chronic effects typically reported from low level exposure

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray, foam
Unsuitable Media: High pressure water streams may spread material
Specific Hazards: May form combustible mixtures with air at high temperatures
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides (CO, CO2), potential acrid smoke
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus for responders

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways and drains
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spills with inert material such as sand, collect in suitable containers for disposal
Decontamination: Wash spill area with soap and water, ventilate confined spaces
Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local and federal regulations, see disposal section for details

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid breathing vapors, direct contact with eyes or prolonged contact with skin
Technical Measures: Work in areas with local exhaust ventilation
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials
Container Requirements: Use tightly sealed, compatible packaging (polyethylene, metal drums)
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases might cause degradation or reaction

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No official occupational exposure limit, keep air concentrations as low as possible
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles
Skin Protection: Long-sleeved lab coat, impervious footwear if handling large volumes
Respiratory Protection: Not generally required for small quantities, NIOSH-approved mask for aerosol or vapor-generating operations

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Faint, pleasant, fruity
Boiling Point: Triethyl Citrate around 294°C; Tributyl Citrate around 340°C
Melting Point: Below 0°C for most citrate esters
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, slightly soluble in water
Density: 1.135 g/cm3 (Triethyl Citrate), 1.05 g/cm3 (Tributyl Citrate)
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Viscosity: 20-35 cP depending on ester and temperature

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions
Thermal Decomposition: Slowly decomposes above 160°C
Hazardous Reactions: None known under normal industrial or laboratory use
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, open flame, strong oxidizing conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong alkalis, oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, irritant fumes

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 for rats >5000 mg/kg for most citrate esters, low acute toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild skin irritant, not likely to cause burns
Eye Damage/Irritation: Can cause mild, reversible irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Not known to cause sensitization from inhalation
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity in humans
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing skin disorders may become aggravated by prolonged contact

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms (EC50 >100 mg/L for daphnia and fish)
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment by natural microorganisms
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low bioaccumulation due to high water solubility and rapid metabolism
Soil Mobility: Moderate mobility, but degrades quickly in soil
Other Adverse Effects: No significant ozone depletion, groundwater contamination unlikely from diluted spills

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Rinse containers thoroughly before disposal or recycling
Incineration: Suitable in chemical incinerators complying with environmental guidelines
Landfill: Only if allowed by local regulations and waste characterization confirms safety
Sewage Disposal: Do not discharge large amounts into drains or water bodies
Precautions: Prevent large releases, treat any spillage as chemical waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified under most transport codes
Transport Hazard Class: Not considered dangerous for transport by road, air, rail, or sea
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Transport in tightly closed original containers, protect against physical damage and extreme temperatures

Regulatory Information

Inventory Listings: Listed on major chemical inventories: TSCA (USA), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia)
SARA Title III: Not listed as a hazardous substance
REACH: Registered for specific applications within Europe
OSHA Status: Not regulated as a hazardous chemical
Other Requirements: Follow workplace labeling, worker training, and record-keeping obligations under local and national law