Triethyl Acetyl Citrate

Triethyl Acetyl Citrate (ATEC) is an odourless, colourless, oily liquid, and is an ester of citric acid. It is prepared by the esterification of citric acid with ethanoic acid, followed by acylation with anhydride. It has a CAS number of 77-89-4.

What is Triethyl Acetyl Citrate (ATEC) used for?

Triethyl Acetyl Citrate (ATEC) is a plasticiser used within pharmaceutical and cosmetic plasticised polymers. It’s commonly used as a food additive (E number E1505) to stabilise foams and as a whipping aid for egg whites. Acting as a plasticiser, triethyl acetyl citrate is central to the preparation of poly(lactic) biodegradable and flexible films and acts as a plasticiser for polymers in formulated pharmaceutical coatings. This includes coatings for things like beads, tablets, capsules and much more.

Plasticising properties of Triethyl Acetyl Citrate (ATEC)

Triethyl Acetyl Citrate has emerged as a popular plasticiser as phthalate and adipate plasticisers have come under increased scrutiny for leeching and contaminating nearby environments. Triethyl acetyl citrate has demonstrated equal performance in cosmetics, food contact films, pharmaceuticals and many more areas. The high boiling point of triethyl acetyl citrate means it isn’t volatile, and therefore less of the plasticiser is lost to the environment during volatile conditions.

Stability of Triethyl Acetyl Citrate (ATEC)

Polymer plasticisers must be stable to ensure the polymer retains its needed flexibility to carry out its function. Due to its high boiling point, triethyl acetyl citrate remains stable in high temperatures and volatile conditions, making it perfect for a wide range of uses from food contact films to coatings for capsules.

Physical properties of Triethyl Acetyl Citrate (ATEC)

Physical State: Liquid
Appearance: Colourless to pale yellow
Odor: Characteristic
Odor Threshold: No information available
pH: No information available
Melting Point/Range: 45 °C
Boiling Point/Range: 131°C @ 1013 hPa
Molecular Formula: C14 H22 O8
Molecular Weight: 318.32

See the complete list here: Triethyl Acetyl Citrate (ATEC) - MSDS

Safety profile of Triethyl Acetyl Citrate (ATEC)
Triethyl acetyl citrate has a low toxicity by ingestion and is a relatively stable compound with no reactivity hazards.