Triethyl citrate

Triethyl citrate (CAS 77-93-0), also known as TEC, Citroflex 2, and E1505, is a citrate ester plasticizer and solvent derived from citric acid and ethanol.

Where is Triethyl citrate used?

• Food-contact, cosmetic and polymer applications: plasticizer, film-forming aid and flavor fixative
• Food packaging and biodegradable films: plasticizes PLA and cellulose-based polymers, improving flexibility without compromising food-contact compliance
• Personal care: film former and fixative in nail lacquers, hair sprays and skin coatings, supporting resin adhesion and controlled release
• Flavoring solvent under FEMA 3083: carries and stabilizes flavor compounds in confectionery, baked goods and beverages
• Pharmaceutical coating systems plasticize enteric and sustained-release film coatings on tablets and capsules.
• Used as a food additive to stabilize foams, especially as a whipping aid for egg white.
• Lipophilic material; preferably added to the oil phase. For water-based products such as hydroalcoholic or hydrolate sprays and roll-ons, pre-disperse in a solvent.
• Helps in the better dispersal of insoluble organic UV filters in sun creams.
• In pharmaceutical applications, acts as a plasticizer to improve the performance of enteric-coated tablets.

Good to know: Low toxicity and regulatory acceptance are priorities for formulators and buyers. Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade material meets FCC, USP and Ph. Eur. specifications; technical grade is offered for industrial polymer and coating applications where food or pharma compliance is not required.

Formulation notes

• Known as an eco-friendly, non-toxic plasticizer that can replace highly persistent plasticizers such as phthalates.

Typical specification

• Assay is 99% to 100.5%.
• Available with purity ≥98.0% (GC).
• Water content is 0.25% or less.

Regulatory status

• Included in the positive list of EU Regulation No. 10/2011 for plastics intended to come into contact with food.
• In the EU, authorized as food additive E 1505 exclusively for flavourings and egg white powder.
• Listed as a food additive under code E1505 in EU and Turkish Food Codex regulations.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Contact with strong oxidizing agents, exposure to excessive heat, open flame, or other potential ignition sources should be avoided.
• Should be stored well closed.
• Store at ambient temperature, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Direct sunlight and high temperature can cause deterioration of the odor.

Frequently asked questions about Triethyl citrate

What regulatory requirements apply for delivery into the EU?

Delivery into the EU requires a valid REACH registration under (EC) No 1907/2006.

What grades of triethyl citrate are available on the market?

Triethyl citrate is available in grades such as USP/EP/BP, FCC, natural, analytical standard, and Vetec reactive class.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.