Triethyl citrate
Triethyl citrate is an ester that is derived from citric acid. It is commonly used as a food additive and as a plasticizer in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical coatings and packaging films.
Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]
Triethyl citrate has the chemical formula C12H20O7. It is a colorless and odorless liquid that is soluble in most organic solvents but only slightly soluble in water. The compound is made up of three ethyl groups attached to the three carboxyl groups of citric acid.
Production[edit | edit source]
Triethyl citrate is produced by esterification of citric acid with ethanol in the presence of a catalytic amount of sulfuric acid. The reaction is carried out under reflux conditions until completion. The product is then purified by distillation.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Triethyl citrate has a wide range of uses in various industries.
Food Industry[edit | edit source]
In the food industry, it is used as a flavor enhancer and a food additive. It is recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is included in the FDA's list of substances that can be used in food with no limitations other than good manufacturing practices.
Pharmaceutical Industry[edit | edit source]
In the pharmaceutical industry, triethyl citrate is used as a plasticizer in the production of pharmaceutical coatings and packaging films. It is also used as a solubilizer in pharmaceutical formulations.
Cosmetics Industry[edit | edit source]
In the cosmetics industry, triethyl citrate is used as a plasticizer in nail polish. It helps to improve the flexibility and durability of the polish.
Safety[edit | edit source]
Triethyl citrate is generally recognized as safe when used as a food additive. However, like all chemicals, it should be handled with care. It is not classified as a hazardous substance under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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