Acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate comes from a family of non-phthalate plasticizers built for safer and more flexible plastics. Its molecular formula, C20H34O8, captures a structure where citrate forms the backbone, and butyl and acetyl groups hang off the sides. At the atomic level, one finds three n-butyl esters and an acetyl group attached to the central citric acid core, which lets it blend with many types of polymer systems. Known in the chemical industry by its HS Code 2918.16, this plasticizer holds a spot as a go-to for materials that must step away from traditional phthalate solutions but still reach high standards in flexibility and workability.
The basic structure comes out crystal clear on paper: Acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate delivers flexibility, resistance to yellowing, and a low toxicity profile. As a transparent, oily liquid at room temperature, it features a slight fruity odor and keeps a specific gravity around 1.05 g/cm3 at 20°C. This clear liquid form—a big selling point—makes it easy to mix into PVClike recipes and many synthetic rubbers. The product won’t solidify or powder out under typical storage conditions, cutting down on handling hassles and making quality control more straightforward. The boiling point sits at 384°C, and it shows a low vapor pressure, which reduces risk during storage. Its solubility parameters let it dissolve well in most common organic solvents, such as alcohols, esters, and ketones, but it shies away from water, which comes from its hydrophobic side chains.
In most settings, Acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, sold in drums, totes, or bulk tankers. Sometimes, it takes on a faint crystalline sheen if left exposed to cold, but it reverts to liquid as temperatures climb. Unlike other plasticizers that show up as flakes, solids, or pearls, this one locks in a liquid state—streamlining use and reducing clumping or dust risk around the facility, which anyone working with powders can appreciate. The viscosity stays moderate compared to heavier phthalate alternatives, making it easy to pump, meter, and dose in both large polymer compounding plants and smaller extrusion setups. This ease of flow means less stress on mixing machinery, fewer clogs, and lower setup costs.
Safety comes to mind right away, especially after decades of concern over traditional phthalate exposure. Acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate claims a spot as a safer alternative, with toxicology studies finding much lower health risks in end-use products like food contact films, children’s toys, and personal care packaging. The compound keeps a relatively high flash point above 200°C, which helps cut down fire hazards during storage, transport, or processing. It doesn’t count as hazardous for transport under DOT, IMDG, or IATA. Oral or dermal toxicity data show mild irritation in high-concentration scenarios but give a wide margin for safe use under normal conditions. Unlike some old-school plasticizers, this option does not bioaccumulate—and it breaks down more rapidly in soil and water, reducing long-term harm.
Industry users often weigh the specs of a raw material to make the right call for their process. For Acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate, purity typically runs above 99% as measured by gas chromatography, limiting impurities that might mess up sensitive formulations. Water content stays very low—under 0.15%—which helps keep hydrolysis and cloudiness from cropping up in the finished plastics. Most suppliers guarantee acid values below 0.20 mg KOH/g, and color less than 30 APHA, which means fewer headaches in both clear and pigmented films. Density runs around 1.045-1.055 g/cm3, which helps with consistent metering. The refractive index typically checks in at 1.440 to 1.445, and the plasticizer itself stays stable from -30°C up past 200°C, so its applications range from frozen storage products up to high-temperature processing lines.
Most factories and labs who turn to Acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate look for relief from regulatory pressure and a shot at greener sourcing. The product finds most use in soft PVC—think blood bags, tubing, food wrap, squeeze bottles, and even some cosmetic and pharmaceutical coatings. The capacity to keep materials soft and clear without losing flexibility gives it a leg up over legacy additives that lose plasticizing power over time. My own experience in materials testing labs showed how switching to this citrate reduced downtime—softer sheet goods came out cleaner, with less yellowing, and the product stayed stable even in hot or humid warehousing. Buyers in children’s goods and medical packaging also ask suppliers to show their supply chain is free of banned substances—this plasticizer answers that need without huge changes to existing production lines.
Using any chemical at scale calls for a steady hand on safety, and even low-toxicity plasticizers demand attention to safe workplace practices. While Acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate avoids most acute hazard classifications, factory staff should still wear protective gloves and avoid breathing vapor when filling or cleaning tanks, just to limit long-term exposure risks. Work areas benefit from solid ventilation since the low vapor pressure does not mean zero volatilization. Handling spills becomes easier than with powdered or granular materials—liquid form stays put, and cleanup takes less time. The SDS recommends storing at moderate temperatures and in sealed drums, since moisture can creep in around seals if left open. Proper labelling and inventory checks keep gaps in compliance from showing up during audits. For downstream users, monitoring residual plasticizer levels in films and products protects end users from rare irritation risks and helps companies show their compliance with FDA or REACH requirements.
Materials science keeps marching toward safer, more sustainable solutions, and Acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate rides that momentum. Global plastic regulations now push manufacturers to cut phthalate use, and this product offers a bridge to safer, cost-competitive supply chains. In customer-focused industries—from medical devices to toys—the ability to show a clean bill of health counts for a lot in winning new accounts and building long-term trust. Over time, the ability to source high-purity, low-impact plasticizers will matter more, especially as governments step up scrutiny and corporations commit to green chemistry. By choosing raw materials like Acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate with strong physical characteristics and broad compliance support, companies can keep one step ahead and stay protected against the next round of restrictions or liability risk.
