Triacetin
CAS Number
102-76-1
EC Number
203-051-9
E Number
E1518
FEMA Number
FEMA 2007
What is Triacetin?
Triacetin (CAS 102-76-1), also known as glyceryl triacetate and approved as E1518, is a food-grade plasticizer, solvent, and humectant.
Where is Triacetin used?
- Food and confectionery: solvent and carrier for flavor concentrates
- Hard candies, chewing gum bases and baked goods: improves dispersion and stability
- Fragrance: fixative that extends volatile aroma compounds in perfumes and flavor emulsions
- Personal care: plasticizer in film-forming nail coatings and hair fixatives
- Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical: plasticizer in tablet film coatings and controlled-release capsule shells
- It functions as a carrier and fixative for flavor compounds and as a plasticizing agent in film coatings.
Good to know: Grade selection is typically driven by end-use regulatory requirements across food, cosmetic, and pharma applications.
Commercial specifications
- Food-grade material to FCC and E1518 specifications
- Pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP and Ph. Eur. standards
Other Names (Synonyms)
Triacetyl glycerine|Triacetyl glycerin|Glyceryl triacetate|Glycerol triacetate|glycerin triacetate|E1518|2-(Acetyloxy)-1-[(acetyloxy)methyl]ethyl acetate|1,2,3-triacetylglycerol
What are the physical properties of Triacetin?
Melting Point -78 °C
Boiling Point 258-260 °C
Density 1.1562 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C
Flash Point 300 °F
Appearance Colorless liquid; slight fatty odor; bitter taste. Slightly soluble in water; very soluble in alcohol, ether, and other organic solvents. Combustible.
Color Clear colorless
Odor Characteristic odour
Form Liquid
Water Solubility 64.0 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 0.00248 mm Hg @ 250C
Refractive Index n 25/D 1.429-1.431(lit.)
pH 5.0-6.0 (20°C, 50g/L in H2O)
Log P 0.25
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Triacetin?
HS Code 29153930
Storage Class 10 - Combustible liquids
WGK (Germany) 1