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Triethyl citrate (TEC), with CAS No. 77-93-0, has the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₀O₇ and a molecular weight of 276.28. It is a widely used environmentally friendly plasticizer and multifunctional additive.
- Appearance: Colorless, transparent, oil-like liquid with a fruity aroma and a bitter taste.
- Physical properties: melting point approximately −55°C, boiling point 294°C, density 1.1369 g/cm³ at 20°C, flash point 83.7–107.1°C, solubility in water 6.5 g/100 mL at 25°C, readily soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether and other organic solvents, and poorly soluble in oils.
- Chemical properties: The molecule contains three ester bonds and can be hydrolyzed by acids, bases, or reducing agents to yield carboxylic acids and alcohols; it exhibits good thermal stability.
Uses
- Plasticizers: Widely used in thermoplastic resins such as cellulose-based and vinyl-based polymers, they can replace phthalate plasticizers in applications like non-toxic PVC pelletizing, children’s soft toys, and medical devices, while enhancing the oil resistance, light stability, and mold resistance of finished products.
- Pharmaceutical excipients: As a capsule plasticizer, it can enhance capsule flexibility and reduce brittleness; in enteric-coated tablets or controlled-release formulations, it can improve stability and prolong drug efficacy, as well as enhance the palatability of the formulation.
- Coatings and inks: In coatings, it can improve film flexibility and adhesion while enhancing weather resistance; in inks, it enhances dispersibility and stability, preventing sedimentation.
- Other applications: It can act as a chelating agent to bind with metal ions, thereby preventing oxidation or discoloration; it can also serve as a carrier solvent in the formulation of fragrances, flavorings, and cosmetics.
Plasticizer
High-efficiency plasticization: Only a small addition is needed to achieve the desired softness.
- Low volatility, extractable-resistance, and low migration: ensures stable performance over long-term use and prevents contamination of contact surfaces.
- Durability: resistant to heat, light, and oxygen; not easily decomposed.
- Plastics industry: soft PVC (films, synthetic leather, wires and cables, sealing strips), rubber, coatings, and adhesives.
- Other: concrete, cement, cosmetics, detergents, medical devices, and food packaging (limited to compliant, environmentally friendly types).
- Phthalate-free: Environmentally friendly alternatives (citrate esters, epoxy esters, and polyesters) replace phthalates to meet regulatory and health requirements.
- Bio-based and biodegradable: epoxidized soybean oil and bio-based citrate esters are emerging as key areas of focus.
- High polymerization: enhances durability and migration resistance, making it suitable for long-term applications such as automotive and high-end building materials.