Triethyl citrate
CAS 77-93-0
EC 201-070-7
Formula C12H20O7
MW 276.28 g/mol
Flavors & Fragrances Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionPlastics & Polymers Flavoring & AcidulantAntioxidant & StabilizerPlasticizer & SoftenerSolvent & Carrier
Description
Triethyl citrate (TEC) is the triethyl ester of citric acid, registered under CAS 77-93-0 and EC 201-070-7. It is commercially available under trade names including Citroflex 2, Eudraflex, and Hydragen CAT, and is recognized by flavor industry designation FEMA 3083.
In food and pharmaceutical applications, triethyl citrate functions as a film-coating plasticizer in enteric and sustained-release tablet coatings, where it lowers the glass transition temperature of polymer systems such as ethylcellulose and Eudragit. In personal care formulations, it acts as a deodorant active by inhibiting bacterial lipase activity on skin, suppressing the enzymatic release of odor-causing fatty acids.
Triethyl citrate is supplied in food-grade and technical-grade forms, meeting FCC and Ph.Eur. specifications where applicable. It is fully REACH-registered for supply within the EU. Standard packaging includes drums and IBC containers, with bulk quantities available depending on grade requirements.
In food and pharmaceutical applications, triethyl citrate functions as a film-coating plasticizer in enteric and sustained-release tablet coatings, where it lowers the glass transition temperature of polymer systems such as ethylcellulose and Eudragit. In personal care formulations, it acts as a deodorant active by inhibiting bacterial lipase activity on skin, suppressing the enzymatic release of odor-causing fatty acids.
Triethyl citrate is supplied in food-grade and technical-grade forms, meeting FCC and Ph.Eur. specifications where applicable. It is fully REACH-registered for supply within the EU. Standard packaging includes drums and IBC containers, with bulk quantities available depending on grade requirements.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -55 °C |
| Boiling Point | 294 °C |
| Density | 1.1369 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | Colorless, mobile liquid; bitter taste. Solubility in water 6.5 g/100 cc; solubility in oil 0.8 g/100 cc. Combustible. |
| Color | Clear |
| Odor | odorless |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 5.7 g/100 mL (25 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 107 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.442(lit.) |
| Log P | 1.267 (est) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS07
H
H332
P
P261P271P317P304+P340
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29181500 |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
triethyl 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylateTECEudraflexCitroflex 2Hydragen CATCitroflex ECCitroflex C 2
Related Products
Derivatives
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.