Triacetin
Triacetin, also known as glyceryl triacetate or 1,2,3-propanetriol triacetate, is a clear colorless liquid with formula C9H14O6 and molecular weight 218.2 g/mol. It has a density of 1.16 g/mL at 25°C, boiling point 258-260°C, melting point 3°C, refractive index 1.456, and is soluble in water (64 g/L at 20°C), miscible with ethanol and toluene. Odor characteristic, pH 5.0-6.0 (50g/L at 20°C), it is produced by esterification of glycerol with acetic acid or anhydride, often involving heating, reflux, dehydration, and distillation; synthetic food-grade humectant and solvent.
Triacetin
Used as humectant and solvent in food like ice-creams, nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods, and cigarette filters; hydrophilic plasticizer (10–35% w/w) in pharmaceutical coatings for capsules, tablets, beads, granules; topical antifungal agent; solvent and fixative in perfumes, flavors, and cosmetics; carrier in flavors and inks; in foundry core binders for improved strength.
Harmful if swallowed (H303); eye irritant; combustible when heated. Toxicity LD50 oral (rat) 3000 mg/kg; non-mutagenic in Ames test; relatively nontoxic/nonirritant at excipient levels; ADI not specified (FAO/WHO, 2001). Incompatible with strong oxidizers and metals; may react or destroy rayon fabric. Use PPE, ventilate; avoid ingestion and eye contact; stable but store away from heat/flame.
Sealed in dry, room temperature storage in well-closed, nonmetallic containers; cool, dry place to prevent moisture; dispose contaminated as unused product.
