Triethyl Citrate brings together citric acid and ethanol through a simple process of esterification, resulting in a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid that carries a mild, faintly fruity scent. The presence of three ethyl ester groups marks its structure, and this shapes its physical and chemical behavior in key applications. People see this compound used often as a food additive, plasticizer, solvent, and stabilizer because it is both biodegradable and non-toxic under proper handling. Industrial operators value it for its lack of heaviness, its clean flow, and its resistance to solidification under common storage conditions. Where versatility meets safety, triethyl citrate finds repeated use in pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics.
Triethyl Citrate’s molecular formula stands as C12H20O7. Its molecular weight comes in at about 276.28 g/mol. In bulk or at the micro-scale, one observes a monounsaturated triester formed from citric acid, appearing as a stable liquid at room temperature. The structure, CH2COOCH2CH3 bonded three ways to the parent backbone, keeps the consistency fluid, avoiding flaking, crystallization, or pearling. Density registers near 1.135 g/cm³ at 20°C, so it’s a little heavier than water and allows for easy separation when mixed. Its melting point sits around -46°C, and it only begins to break down at temperatures above 150°C. Solubility in water rates as slight, though it comfortably dissolves in alcohol, acetone, and similar organic solvents, meaning factory settings can use flexible cleaning and blending protocols. Its refractive index falls between 1.439 to 1.443, and viscosity remains low, adding to its suitability for spray and liquid formulations.
Commercially, Triethyl Citrate usually arrives in drums, IBC totes, or smaller sealed containers, all compatible with mineral or polymer-based storage linings. Purity levels for food and pharmaceutical use must reach 98% or higher, with water content kept below 0.3%. Acid value shows minimal citrus residue, generally less than 0.2 mg KOH/g, avoiding taste or odor defects. CAS number 77-93-0 pairs with the international Harmonized System (HS) Code 29181500, making customs and border handling transparent. No solid or flake variants enter mainstream markets because this material resists crystal formation and holds as a stable, uniform liquid. Users never confuse this with powders like citric acid, thanks to its tell-tale liquidity and lack of visible particulates. Material safety data sheets stress closed, ventilated storage away from bases, oxidizers, or strong acids, and shielding from continuous sunlight proves wise in warm regions.
Triethyl Citrate ranks among the safer chemicals for regular industrial use. It doesn’t serve as a major irritant, and oral toxicity proves low, supporting its use in edible products, gelatin capsules, and bakery materials. Still, prudent operators avoid unnecessary skin or eye contact, since any chemical can trigger allergies or mild transient irritation in sensitive individuals. Under intense heat or in rare combustion events, it may break down to acetic or citric byproducts, but it avoids producing stubborn or immediately hazardous fumes. Spills on a factory floor pose slip risks rather than fire or explosion. Standard gloves, goggles, and room ventilation suffice for most tasks, and local exhaust or mask use fits unusual high-vapor scenarios. Inhalation limits on the work floor, as outlined by OSHA and EU REACH dossiers, are set high, though engineers running filling lines or mixing tanks stick with best practices around bottle seals and fume hoods. I’ve watched food plants and laboratories manage hundreds of liters as raw material stock without incident, where practical hygiene and fast response to any splatter or leak kept everyone comfortable and problem-free.
Manufacturers lean on Triethyl Citrate for its flexibility across multiple sectors. In the food industry, it helps stabilize egg whites and acts as a flavor fixative without leaving discernible aftertaste. Pharmaceutical teams rely on its plasticizing properties to keep tablet coatings flexible, avoiding cracks or moisture intrusion. Personal care formulators add it to deodorants and hair sprays to soften polymers without greasy residue or clogging. The absence of crystal or flake forms means users never struggle with mixing or pumping; the liquid consistency flows evenly, slashing downtime in continuous process lines. In paints, adhesives, and inks, triethyl citrate steps up as a safer alternative to phthalates, especially in settings where inhalation or skin exposure to legacy plasticizers poses legal and health costs. The raw material market treats it as a reliable blend component, with stable shelf life under sealed conditions and no pressing hazards in normal transit.
Unlike many petroleum-derived plasticizers, Triethyl Citrate breaks down naturally, its esters hydrolyzing over time to citric acid and ethanol—both considered safe and eco-friendly by regulatory agencies. Wastewater plants can handle discharge within normal aerobic or anaerobic treatment limits if usage volumes are within local compliance. No evidence points to persistent organic pollutant buildup, making it a fit for brands committed to biodegradable or clean-label strategies. My years working with biodegradable product launches have taught me the value of such material choices: customers, especially in Europe or North America, scrutinize supply chain inputs. When raw materials prove easy on the planet and deliver on function, the market response remains strong and trust-building.
Process engineers always ask about temperature tolerance, storage longevity, and ease of use. Triethyl Citrate delivers consistent performance in standard liquid form, with no need for milling, melting, or solubilizing. Its density and viscosity fit current pump and tank configurations without special retrofits. For those seeking greener, low-toxicity solutions, suppliers certify compliance with food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and REACH or FDA requirements. Transportation by rail or sea often requires only routine hazardous material paperwork; it avoids flammability labels reserved for highly volatile chemicals. This steadiness matters to procurement teams trying to control costs and workflow, since switching to another plasticizer may bring hidden complications. Continuous attention to purity, packaging, and safe handling keeps this material in the toolbox for leading manufacturers and labs.
