Triethyl acetyl citrate grew out of the search for safer, less reactive plasticizers than phthalates in the twentieth century. Manufacturers and scientists wanted a substance that could blend into food packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals without leaching toxic byproducts. Early research pointed toward citric acid derivatives. By the 1950s, advances in organic synthesis and increased regulatory oversight shaped its development. Pharmaceutical firms championed it as a solution for enteric coatings and modified-release applications, while the food industry started evaluating its role as a food additive. The emergence of green chemistry principles has kept Triethyl acetyl citrate in focus, as environmental groups and global agencies turned their scrutiny toward phthalates and other controversial plasticizers. The cumulative attention from governments, industry, and academia has made it a staple in technical books and safety compendiums.
Triethyl acetyl citrate is an ester-based, clear to pale yellow liquid, commonly used to impart plasticity and flexibility to polymers that contact food, drugs, or human skin. Its structure blends the backbone of citric acid with ethyl and acetyl groups, pushing it toward the sweet spot between softness and stability. On a personal note, I recall conversations with polymer chemists who appreciate how it resists crystallization, and how it gives tablets a smooth, robust coating that stands up to humidity. Its low odor and neutral taste landed it in many products I’ve handled over the years, from chewing gum wrappers to nail lacquers, without generating consumer complaints about lingering smells or weird flavors.
With a molecular formula of C12H20O7, triethyl acetyl citrate weighs 276.28 g/mol and stands out for its higher boiling point, generally above 200°C. Its density hovers around 1.145 to 1.155 g/cm³ at room temperature. In laboratories, teams find it dissolves in most polar organic solvents like ethanol, acetone, and methanol, but barely mixes with water. That property helps with controlling how it migrates into pharmaceuticals or food products. The ester linkages give it chemical flexibility and thermal stability, which supports usage in applications where the materials heat up during manufacturing. The viscosity ensures easy metering during industrial-scale production, keeping batch-to-batch variation low—a major concern in regulated fields.
Regulatory bodies demand purity levels greater than 98%, and toxicology panels keep a close eye on trace impurities that might sneak in during production. You often see triethyl acetyl citrate labeled with international codes such as E1505 for food, and referenced in the European Pharmacopoeia with detailed impurity limits. The product carries batch numbers and sometimes a QR code linking to quality documents and certificates of analysis, making it easier for quality assurance teams to trace its origins in the event of a recall. Pictograms indicating flammability and mild eye irritation usually appear on industrial drums. Labels in Europe and the U.S. follow REACH and FDA standards respectively, with instructions on safe handling and disposal.
Producers synthesize triethyl acetyl citrate in batch reactors using citric acid as a base. The process begins by introducing ethanol and acid catalysts, which prompt esterification of the carboxyl groups. This intermediate, triethyl citrate, undergoes acetylation, typically with acetic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst, to swap a hydroxy group for an acetoxy. Strict temperature and pH conditions help keep the reaction from forming unwanted byproducts, which is critical when selling to pharmaceutical or food clients. After synthesis, a vacuum distillation removes excess reagents and unwanted volatiles. Each manufacturing run goes through filtration and fine-tuned purification, ensuring compliance with tight industry limits. Some firms employ closed systems to collect vapors, reducing environmental impact during the synthesis phase.
This compound’s chemical structure invites several modifications, especially in academic settings where researchers seek fresh plasticizer blends. Chemists can swap ethyl groups for methyl or butyl analogues to tailor solubility or volatility. In research circles, selective hydrolysis recovers acetyl or ethyl moieties, which sheds light on how it releases during breakdown in biological systems. Transesterification lets scientists create custom molecules for bio-based polymers or new drug delivery carriers. Reactive sites on triethyl acetyl citrate allow for interaction with UV initiators in specialty coatings. A trend I’ve noticed is the exploration of green chemistry routes, using biocatalysts for the base esterification, which reduces both waste and energy needs.
Triethyl acetyl citrate goes by several different names, making it a little tricky for newcomers navigating safety data sheets. Common synonyms include acetyl triethyl citrate, acetylcitric acid triethyl ester, and its E number, E1505. Companies like Jungbunzlauer and Morflex often sell it under branded names that are listed on global inventories, including the US TSCA and EU EINECS, broadening access across regions. In pharmaceutical circles, it sometimes appears as solvent or film former, while food packaging firms might use the INS number system for clarity in labeling. A review of trade journals shows its aliases have caused confusion on import/export paperwork, underlining the need for harmonized nomenclature.
Occupational safety experts classify triethyl acetyl citrate as having low acute toxicity but recommend gloves, goggles, and well-ventilated workspaces due to mild irritancy risk. Overexposure during bulk handling can cause slight eye or skin discomfort, but these episodes remain rare if staff follow up-to-date training and personal protective equipment protocols. Fire safety professionals note it can combust at high temperatures, though it rarely catches fire under routine warehouse conditions. Agencies such as OSHA, the European Chemical Agency, and the Japanese Ministry of Health set out strict exposure limits for its vapors and require regular air monitoring in manufacturing plants. The FDA, EFSA, and other food safety regulators stipulate maximum allowable concentrations for direct contact with food or medicine.
Uses sit at the crossroads of food, pharma, and polymer science. In the pharmaceutical sector, triethyl acetyl citrate shows up in enteric coatings and controlled-release formulations, helping drugs reach their target in the digestive tract. In food processing, it finds work as a flavor carrier and plasticizer for chewing gum base, wrapping films, and sometimes as a food additive to give confections the pliable texture consumers love. I remember touring a confectionery plant where the production manager spoke about replacing phthalates with it, producing softer sweets with fewer health complaints. Cosmetic chemists use it in nail lacquers as a safer alternative, with a side bonus of minimal odor. Outside consumer goods, it migrates into biodegradable polymers and specialty adhesives that demand non-phthalate solutions.
Triethyl acetyl citrate attracts steady research attention, mostly anchored by concerns about microplastics, endocrine disruption, and bioaccumulation. Academic labs dive into its breakdown pathways in soil and water, publishing studies in environmental journals to map its fate after disposal. Industry consortia work with research centers to screen derivatives for improved biodegradability while keeping favorable mechanical properties in the final product. A push for "greener" bioplasticizers drives continuous improvement, looking to reduce reliance on petrochemical routes. Conferences like the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting regularly feature its new applications, from nanoparticle drug carriers to edible films. I’ve attended talks where teams compare toxicity data with legacy phthalates, showing how it cuts back on reproductive harm in animal tests but still requires ongoing vigilance in high-exposure workplaces.
Toxicologists continually evaluate triethyl acetyl citrate, feeding their data into regulatory assessments worldwide. Acute oral and dermal toxicity studies in animals reveal high LD50 values, signifying low immediate risk, but longer-term exposure frames the discussion around more subtle effects. Researchers found that at permitted levels, it doesn't drive mutations or disrupt reproductive cycles. Human risk assessments typically point to the body’s ability to metabolize and excrete it quickly. Regulatory reviews balance this with accidental high-dose scenarios and occupational exposure, ensuring that guidelines stay conservative. Toxicity testing under REACH and FDA monographs stress-test the compound in conditions far exceeding those of typical consumer use. Reports from European authorities found negligible risk in food contact and cosmetic roles, though calls for more studies on environmental persistence continue as part of green chemistry's broader push.
Triethyl acetyl citrate’s adoption in future products looks set to grow as industries lean harder toward sustainable, non-phthalate plasticizers. Food packaging firms are searching for additives with less environmental baggage, leading to investment in bio-based feedstocks and renewable pathways for this compound. Biodegradable packaging, edible coatings, and new drug delivery formats provide fertile ground for its continued use. Green chemistry advocates are developing enzyme-based synthesis methods to boost sustainability metrics, aiming to drop both carbon footprints and energy costs. Brand owners in fast-growing regions favor this material to support “clean label” initiatives, as consumers push for traceable, toxin-free packaging. As upstream manufacturers build recycling and reclamation strategies, triethyl acetyl citrate could shift into both closed-loop and open-loop circular economies. Its safety, versatility, and technical stability put it on the short list whenever a company decides to reformulate away from legacy plasticizers.
Triethyl Acetyl Citrate often doesn’t show up on people’s radar in everyday conversation, but it plays a solid role in modern consumer products. This compound works as a plasticizer, a type of additive that makes certain materials less brittle and easier to work with. It has roots in the citric acid family and gives manufacturers a way to adjust how materials feel and function.
Anyone handling plastics or film coatings knows these materials often break or flake if left on their own. Triethyl Acetyl Citrate acts as a softener, particularly in plastic wraps, packaging, and even in flexible toys. Instead of snapping or cracking, products like cling wraps keep their shape and stand up to repeated bending. I watch my kids twist sandwich wrap every morning, and I know something like this additive matters. It’s about more than just function—it keeps packaging safe for repeated use and meets expectations in the kitchen.
Pharmaceutical tablets need a protective coating to keep the active ingredient stable and mask any bitter flavor. Triethyl Acetyl Citrate helps coat these tablets, giving pills that smooth, shiny surface that goes down easier. Many people rely on daily medication, and their experience can turn negative if a pill is chalky or hard to swallow. This ingredient brings a bigger benefit by keeping medicines easier to use and potentially helping with controlled release over time.
People who check ingredient lists on personal care products might miss Triethyl Acetyl Citrate, but companies use it in everything from nail polish to deodorant. It makes nail lacquer less brittle, so polish stays flexible and lasts longer without cracking. In deodorants and lotions, it supports the texture—a smoother application can make a difference for sensitive skin. It’s not just about what a product does; it’s about the whole experience. I’ve had nail polish chip after one day and wondered if something like this could have helped.
Products meant to touch the skin, go in the mouth, or wrap food face high standards. Triethyl Acetyl Citrate passes food safety and cosmetic ingredient reviews in places like the United States and Europe. It gets a seal of approval for use in food packaging, which only comes after safety data and studies. I value knowing that the wraps and pills my family uses meet these standards, especially since substances, even those we never see, have to deserve our trust.
Many consumers feel wary about chemical names on product labels, and with good reason. Industries keep exploring natural or renewable options, so the field is slowly changing. Still, Triethyl Acetyl Citrate tends to show fewer safety red flags than older phthalate plasticizers. Cleaner alternatives do matter, but consistency and reliability also shape manufacturing decisions.
As we all look for more information about product ingredients, it helps to understand that substances like Triethyl Acetyl Citrate often matter more than people think. It doesn’t just sit on a label; it shapes how everyday essentials perform in our homes and routines. Whether in health, packaging, or personal care, this compound’s role points to why ingredient transparency and safety always deserve a closer look.
Triethyl acetyl citrate pops up on the backs of shampoo bottles, deodorants, and nail polish removers. Many see it and move on, unsure what impact it really has. This ingredient helps plasticize, soften, and enhance how products feel and spread. Scientists picked it up for use because it blends smoothly and helps keep formulas stable over time. From my own experience digging through chemical databases and talking with a couple of cosmetic chemists, it’s most at home anywhere there’s a need for flexibility and that smooth glide consumers want in personal care goods.
Research on triethyl acetyl citrate stretches back several decades. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and the European Chemicals Agency reviewed safety data and classed it as safe for use in cosmetics. In published toxicity studies, test animals handled repeated skin exposure with no big reactions. Human patch tests saw very low rates of irritation, even for those who call their skin sensitive. This was all important for regulators—these findings showed a pretty low risk of allergy, irritation, or systemic toxicity.
A telling fact: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel, made up of independent medical and toxicology experts, called it safe for skin when used at concentrations up to 7%. Most face lotions and makeup products use it at far lower levels, usually under 3%. From an exposure standpoint, the margin is high. That means even people applying multiple products containing this ingredient daily do not approach any levels of concern.
People want clearer labels. Stories often come in from folks who suffered from mystery rashes, only to learn after a long search that one obscure additive in a hand lotion, shampoo, or lipstick triggered their reaction. In my work sorting out ingredient risks, I hear this a lot. Turning chemical names into plain language helps, but beyond that, knowing which groups review ingredient safety matters. Transparency should keep big questions at bay for regular families who just want to trust what’s in their soap.
Since triethyl acetyl citrate has been studied in different regions and reviewed by major safety authorities, there’s a body of evidence that the ingredient does not cause trouble for most. Dermatologists point out that reactions are rare. Still, those with diagnosed allergies or autoimmune skin disorders should patch-test new products or ask a pharmacist or dermatologist before going all in.
More independent research always moves the field forward. Vigilant companies revisit new studies and update their formulas if better knowledge comes along. It’s smart to keep ingredient lists readable and up-to-date on websites and packaging. Product recalls in the news tend to shake trust— companies can counter that with test data, open safety reporting, and real customer support. I’ve seen this work firsthand with brands that invest in customer education.
Good labeling, science-backed testing, and honest customer support all factor into how people feel about safety. Triethyl acetyl citrate doesn’t set off alarm bells. Still, open dialogue between scientists, makers, and the public keeps confidence high and skin reactions rare.
Triethyl Acetyl Citrate shows up on many ingredient lists, especially in cosmetics. This clear liquid makes nail polishes less brittle and helps perfumes linger a bit longer. Some folks see the long name and feel uncertain. I remember walking the aisles of a grocery store, reading ingredient labels, and wondering what makes cosmetic and food additives safe enough for shelves. My background doing quality control for a snack maker taught me that having oversight from regulatory bodies matters for more than just peace of mind — it protects public health in a practical way.
For food, Triethyl Acetyl Citrate stays off the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list published by the FDA. The agency hasn’t cleared this compound as a direct or indirect additive for foods in the United States. Out in Europe, food safety authorities don’t permit its use in foods either. You won’t find it approved as a flavor, preservative, or anything else in your snack bag or beverage can. In plain terms, this additive does not belong in anything intended to be eaten, at least by rules on both sides of the Atlantic.
Cosmetics tell a different story. The European Commission lists Triethyl Acetyl Citrate on Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation, which means it’s permitted in cosmetics with clear restrictions. It usually works as a plasticizer in nail polish, and usage must stick to a maximum concentration. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t list it as an ingredient of concern for cosmetic use. If you flip over a bottle of nail polish remover or hair fixative and spot it in the list, the odds say the manufacturer has data showing the ingredient is safe as used.
Years ago, I felt some skepticism about regulatory hurdles. Over time, following headlines about sunscreen recalls or contaminated candy bars, I changed my mind. Approval standards for food and cosmetics don’t just exist for bureaucracy’s sake. Some substances behave differently in the body depending on how we contact them. It’s one thing for something to sit on the nail surface; it’s another for it to travel straight into the digestive system. A chemical may cause little to no harm when absorbed through the skin but cause irritation or toxicity when swallowed.
The European Food Safety Authority and the FDA run risk assessments that look at both intended use and potential exposure. Manufacturers and raw material suppliers survive on trust, and trust erodes when shortcuts pop up. Adverse event reporting tools, like the FDA’s Cosmetics Adverse Event Reporting Program, give users and companies a way to track issues. That said, mistakes can slip through, so vigilance stays important once a product hits the market.
Clear communication helps keep consumers in the loop. Ingredient transparency lets users make more informed choices. Using technology, even small companies now launch QR codes and web resources that link straight to detailed ingredient information. Regulators and safety experts can speed up reviews without skipping steps, by sharing data and collaborating across borders.
Consumers play a role too. Reading labels and reporting unexpected reactions creates a feedback loop. If an ingredient like Triethyl Acetyl Citrate bothers you, look for products carrying labels like ‘free from phthalates and citrates.’ Fresh eyes often spot things early; public vigilance often pushes companies to rethink formulations quickly and responsibly.
I’ve noticed in formulation work that finding a plasticizer that holds up without sending safety concerns through the roof can feel like searching for a unicorn. Triethyl Acetyl Citrate, or TEAC, steps into this gap and brings a lot to the table. Its reputation has grown steadily, especially across industries where safety, quality, and regulatory approval matter more than shaving cents off the supply bill.
Back when I helped evaluate additives for cosmetics, phthalates set off red flags for everyone. TEAC came up as a gentler choice. The molecule barely nudges the skin or the respiratory system, and health agencies—including European regulators—have greenlit it for both foods and topical products. Think about how often flavor capsules, candies, and even chewing gum rely on a plasticizer. Here, TEAC’s food-contact approval isn’t just a technical perk; it genuinely expands the product designer’s options.
Imagine pulling a film coating over a supplement tablet or mixing up a batch of nail polish with just the right flow. Both need pliability without turning brittle. TEAC does its job by slipping between larger molecules and adding some flexibility. This isn't a theoretical benefit: it can honestly be the difference between a pill that stays intact on the store shelf and one that cracks before it gets to your medicine cabinet. In nail polishes, companies tout chip-resistance and smooth glides thanks to TEAC. It can transform the user experience—customers remember the bottle that stayed shiny longer than the one that dried out and peeled.
Working with big brands quickly teaches the high cost of recalls or reformulations triggered by scrutiny over legacy substances like DEHP or DBP. TEAC removes much of this headache. The compound aligns well with the European Union’s REACH regulation, the FDA’s food additive standards, and even meets benchmarks for “clean” label claims. It is not every day you find a plasticizer that crosses over so many lines without friction.
Anyone who has opened a bottle that reeked of solvents knows how quickly that smell travels through a lab or warehouse. TEAC stands apart because it is virtually odorless. This matters more than most folks realize, especially for supplements, foods, and personal care products where masking off-flavors or scents means expensive workarounds or lost batches. Formulators appreciate the number of applications TEAC works in, from lacquers to candies, without fuss.
Every sustainability meeting I’ve sat through in the last five years circled back to biodegradation. TEAC holds up well here. Studies show that it breaks down in the environment. Plants relying on wastewater treatment or composting have more confidence about run-off or accumulation. There is no perfect plasticizer, but TEAC at least addresses this pressure point in a credible way.
Companies have good reasons to pivot toward Triethyl Acetyl Citrate. It combines safety, flexibility, compliance, and environmental reassurance in a way few alternatives do. Having watched regulatory and consumer demands change year after year, I’d expect TEAC to keep popping up as a preferred player for both legacy and next-generation product lines.
Triethyl acetyl citrate shows up in a lot of everyday items. Companies turn to this ingredient in food wraps, cosmetics, and even as a plasticizer in pharmaceuticals. I’ve come across it in deodorants, nail polishes, and capsule coatings on medicine. With so many uses lining store shelves, people naturally start to ask: Is it safe? Are there any side effects or allergy concerns?
Research stretches back decades, and so far, most studies find little to worry about at common exposure levels. This substance comes from citric acid and ethanol—compounds that bodies can usually handle. During my work with ingredient lists, even in products designed for sensitive skin, I didn’t see many complaints. Still, science doesn’t know everything. Some lab tests, including those by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), found triethyl acetyl citrate safe for use in food contact materials, with exposure limits set well below levels that would raise an eyebrow.
Reports of toxicity are rare. Very high doses, much greater than what people could get from day-to-day use, might cause stomach upset, but you’d have to go wildly overboard. Typical users just don’t hit those numbers. Even when companies dig into long-term effects, they come up empty—mutagenicity and carcinogenicity tests turn up negative.
Allergens can hide anywhere, sometimes popping up in ingredients that millions use daily. With triethyl acetyl citrate, there’s no long track record of allergic reactions. Places like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and EWG Skin Deep have searched for cases, but severe reactions stay off the radar. Still, every skin patch test works a little differently. A handful of sensitive people have reported mild irritation after using products that include it, though other ingredients often cloud the picture.
That said, anyone can develop a sensitivity over time. In my own network, nobody flagged this as a troublemaker, but keeping up with new reports feels important. Some people react to citric acid derivatives, and it’s tough to draw a hard line between them. The wise move: If someone gets a rash from a product, check every single ingredient list—triethyl acetyl citrate among them—and talk to a specialist before further use.
National and international agencies keep a close eye on additives like this one. Both FDA and EFSA list it as safe if products stick to the right limits. In Europe, regulators watch for migration into foods from packaging, testing materials to make sure exposure remains minuscule. That kind of oversight brings peace of mind when using coated pills or lacquered nails.
Sometimes, science finds new links that didn’t show up in old studies. That means users and companies have to keep reading updated research, particularly in communities where allergies run high. Brands shouldn’t ignore customer reports, and consumers who notice new symptoms should say something.
Choosing products boils down to reading labels and knowing personal limits. If side effects show up, don’t shrug them off. Ask questions, look up real evidence, and balance convenience against safety, especially for children, allergy sufferers, or anyone already managing chemical sensitivities. The world won’t run out of alternatives, and vigilance beats regret every time.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Triethyl 2-acetyloxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate |
| Other names |
Acetyl triethyl citrate ATC Citric acid, acetyl triethyl ester Triethyl 2-acetylcitrate |
| Pronunciation | /traɪˈɛθ.ɪl əˈsiː.tɪl ˈsɪt.reɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 77-89-4 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `load =C(C(=O)OCC)(CC(=O)OCC)(COC(=O)CC)C(=O)O` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1901655 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:88603 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3187302 |
| ChemSpider | 13407998 |
| DrugBank | DB11272 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.022.374 |
| EC Number | 205-054-3 |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin Reference: "83256 |
| KEGG | C14433 |
| MeSH | D004060 |
| PubChem CID | 155141 |
| RTECS number | AU8400000 |
| UNII | 9DI0AK5SW3 |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C14H24O8 |
| Molar mass | 402.47 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.46 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.02 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.7 |
| Basicity (pKb) | Triethyl Acetyl Citrate does not have a defined pKb as it is not a basic compound; it is an ester. |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.25 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.408 |
| Viscosity | 20 mPa·s (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.99 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 685.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A08FA06 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: P264, P270, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 121 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 365°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): > 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Triethyl Citrate Acetyl Tributyl Citrate Acetyl Triethyl Citrate Tributyl Citrate Triethyl Phosphate |
