Triacetin
Glycerol Triacetate
- CAS
- 102-76-1
- EC
- 203-051-9
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Pharma & Healthcare, Personal Care & Cosmetics
Triacetin (CAS 102-76-1), also known as glyceryl triacetate, is a clear, colorless liquid ester of glycerol and acetic acid that serves as a humectant and carrier solvent in food, an excipient and plasticizer in pharmaceutical coatings and capsule shells, and a solvent and fixative in cosmetics. Supplied in Food Grade and Cosmetic Grade , it has a density of 1.16 g/mL, a boiling point of 258-260°C, and is miscible with ethanol while moderately soluble in water (64 g/L at 20°C). It is best known as the primary plasticizer for cellulose acetate in cigarette filter tow and films. In the food industry (E 1518) it functions as a humectant and carrier solvent for flavors, while in cosmetics it appears in fragrance bases and film-forming products. It is produced by esterification of glycerol with acetic acid followed by dehydration and distillation.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C9H14O6 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 218.2 g/mol |
| Form | Liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless |
| Odor | Characteristic odour |
| Melting point | -78 °C |
| Boiling point | 258-260 °C |
| Density | 1.1562 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C |
| Water solubility | 64.0 g/L (20 °C) |
| Flash point | 300 °F |
| pH | 5.0-6.0 (20°C, 50g/L in H2O) |
| HS code | 29153930 |
| Grades available | Food Grade, Cosmetic Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Triacetin
Applications
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.
Safety & Risks
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.
Packaging
Sealed in dry, room temperature storage in well-closed, nonmetallic containers; cool, dry place to prevent moisture; dispose contaminated as unused product.