Triacetin
Glycerol Triacetate
- CAS
- 102-76-1
- EC
- 203-051-9
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Pharma & Healthcare, Personal Care & Cosmetics
Triacetin, also known as glyceryl triacetate, is a clear, colorless liquid ester with the formula C9H14O6 and a molecular weight of 218.2 g/mol. 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.
Pharmaceutical formulators use Triacetin as an excipient and plasticizer in tablet coatings and capsule shells. It is produced by esterification of glycerol with acetic acid followed by dehydration and distillation.
SoleChem, an ISO 9001:2015 certified chemical supplier based in Türkiye, delivers Triacetin (CAS 102-76-1) to customers in more than 40 countries.
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.