E1518 GLYCERINE TRIACETATE

E1518 Glycerine triacetate is the triester of glycerol and acetic acid, a colorless, oily liquid with a slight fatty odor, widely used as a plasticizer, solvent, humectant, and food additive across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is authorized as a food additive in the European Union under E number E1518 and by the US FDA as a GRAS substance, and is approved by JECFA, Codex Alimentarius, and multiple international regulatory bodies. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is particularly valued for its low toxicity, biodegradability, excellent plasticizing efficiency, and compatibility with a wide range of polymers, cellulose derivatives, and pharmaceutical excipients.

CAS Number: 102-76-1
EC Number: 203-051-9
Molecular Formula: C9H14O6
Molecular Weight: 218.20 g/mol
E Number: E1518
INS Number: INS 1518
FEMA Number: 2007

Synonyms: Triacetin, Glycerol Triacetate, Glyceryl Triacetate, 1,2,3-Propanetriol Triacetate, 1,2,3-Triacetoxypropane, Glycerine Triacetate, Triacetine, Enzactin, Fungacetin, Glyped, Vanay, E1518, INS 1518, FEMA 2007, HSDB 893, UN 1610 (obsolete), CAS 102-76-1

E1518 Glycerine triacetate is produced by the esterification of glycerol with acetic acid or acetic anhydride under acid or base catalysis, yielding a chemically stable, water-miscible oily liquid with a refractive index of approximately 1.430. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is completely miscible with ethanol, ether, chloroform, benzene, and many organic solvents, and has a water solubility of approximately 58 g/L at 25°C, making it suitable for both aqueous and non-aqueous formulations.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate has a boiling point of 258 to 259°C, a melting point of approximately −78°C, a density of 1.156 g/cm3, a flash point of 138°C (closed cup), and a vapor pressure of less than 0.01 kPa at 25°C. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is biodegradable and classified as having low acute and chronic toxicity, with an oral LD50 in rats of approximately 3,000 mg/kg, supporting its wide use in food-contact and consumer applications.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate functions as a plasticizer, humectant, solvent, fixative, emulsifying agent, fuel additive, and chemical intermediate depending on the application. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used in more than 200 identified applications across the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, tobacco, textile, film, printing, and biofuel industries.

Uses of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used as a humectant, solvent, and plasticizer in food applications including chewing gum, baked goods, confectionery, processed cheese, pudding mixes, gelatins, and flavor compositions. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used as a flavoring agent and flavor solvent in food and beverages, functioning as a carrier and fixative for aroma compounds in flavor formulations.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used in pharmaceutical formulations as a plasticizer for film coatings on tablets and capsules, including enteric coatings based on cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), and ethyl cellulose. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used in topical pharmaceutical preparations as a solvent, humectant, and vehicle for active ingredients in creams, ointments, and gels.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used as a topical antifungal agent for the treatment of superficial fungal infections including tinea pedis (athlete's foot), onychomycosis, and other dermatophytoses by releasing acetic acid at physiological conditions. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a humectant, emollient, solvent, and plasticizer in nail polish, hair fixatives, skin creams, moisturizers, and perfume compositions.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used as a plasticizer for cellulose acetate in cigarette filter tow, representing one of its largest single commercial applications globally, imparting flexibility, structural integrity, and controlled porosity to acetate fibers. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used as a plasticizer in cellulose acetate films, coatings, and membranes used in photography, packaging, separation membranes, and controlled-release systems.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used in the production of printing inks, lacquers, varnishes, and coatings as a plasticizer and coalescing agent improving film flexibility and adhesion. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used as a biofuel additive and fuel oxygenate in diesel, biodiesel, and gasoline formulations, improving combustion efficiency, reducing particulate emissions, and lowering freezing points.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used in textile processing as a lubricant, softener, and dye carrier, improving fiber processing and fabric feel. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is used in the production of explosives as a component of nitroglycerin-based formulations and as a gelatinizing and stabilizing agent for solid propellants.

Benefits or Advantages of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
E1518 Glycerine triacetate has very low acute and chronic toxicity, is biodegradable, and is produced from glycerol, a renewable by-product of biodiesel and soap manufacturing, offering an eco-friendly profile compared with synthetic petrochemical plasticizers. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is water-miscible and compatible with a wide range of polymers, cellulose derivatives, resins, and excipients, offering broad formulation versatility across industries.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate has regulatory approval from FDA (GRAS), EU (E1518), EFSA, JECFA, Codex Alimentarius, and cosmetics regulatory bodies in major markets, providing a high level of regulatory confidence for formulators. E1518 Glycerine triacetate offers effective plasticizing performance at relatively low concentrations, imparting flexibility, elasticity, and mechanical stability to polymer films, coatings, and matrices.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate releases acetic acid under physiological pH conditions, giving it inherent antifungal activity useful in topical pharmaceutical and food preservation applications. E1518 Glycerine triacetate has a relatively high boiling point of 258 to 259°C and low vapor pressure, offering good thermal stability and low volatility during processing and end use.

Features of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
E1518 Glycerine triacetate appears as a clear, colorless to pale yellow, oily liquid with a slight fatty odor and a slightly bitter taste. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air; it is completely miscible with ethanol, ether, chloroform, benzene, and organic solvents, and is moderately soluble in water at approximately 58 g/L at 25°C.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate has a density of 1.156 g/cm3, a refractive index of 1.430, a viscosity of approximately 23 mPa·s at 20°C, a flash point of 138°C (closed cup), and an autoignition temperature of approximately 312°C. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is stable under normal storage and use conditions and does not react dangerously under ordinary circumstances, though it may hydrolyze slowly in the presence of strong acids, strong bases, or water at elevated temperatures.

Chemical Properties of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
E1518 Glycerine triacetate is a triester formed by the complete esterification of the three hydroxyl groups of glycerol with acetic acid, yielding a symmetric molecular structure with the IUPAC name propane-1,2,3-triyl triacetate. E1518 Glycerine triacetate can hydrolyze under acidic or alkaline conditions to yield glycerol and acetic acid; in dilute aqueous solution at physiological pH it releases acetic acid gradually, conferring its antifungal activity.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate is chemically stable under normal storage conditions and is compatible with most common excipients, polymers, and solvents used in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong alkalis, and strong acids, which may accelerate hydrolysis or cause decomposition.

Production of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
E1518 Glycerine triacetate is produced industrially by the direct esterification of glycerol with acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid, or by transesterification of glycerol with ethyl acetate or acetic anhydride. E1518 Glycerine triacetate production involves careful control of reaction temperature, residence time, catalyst concentration, and water removal to maximize conversion to the triacetate and minimize mono- and diacetate by-products.

E1518 Glycerine triacetate is purified by distillation and is available in food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and industrial-grade specifications complying with USP, EP, FCC, and JECFA standards. E1518 Glycerine triacetate is increasingly produced from bio-based glycerol derived from biodiesel manufacturing, contributing to green chemistry and circular economy objectives.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:

Handling of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
E1518 Glycerine triacetate should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices. E1518 Glycerine triacetate handling requires avoiding unnecessary contact with eyes and prolonged or repeated skin contact, and avoiding generation of aerosol or mist during spraying or heating operations.

SDS of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:

Stability and Reactivity of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:

Chemical stability:
E1518 Glycerine triacetate is stable under normal conditions of use, handling, and storage.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal conditions of use.
E1518 Glycerine triacetate may react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, or strong alkalis.

Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat.
Open flames and ignition sources.
Strong acids and strong alkalis.
Strong oxidizing agents.
Prolonged exposure to moisture at elevated temperatures.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Strong acids.
Strong alkalis (bases).
Reactive chemicals capable of causing hydrolysis.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Acetic acid vapors.
Acrolein.
Irritating organic vapors and fumes.

Handling and Storage of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged or repeated skin contact.
Avoid generating aerosol or mist during heating, spraying, or pumping operations.
Use adequate ventilation in areas where E1518 Glycerine triacetate is processed at elevated temperatures.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed original containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Protect E1518 Glycerine triacetate from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong alkalis.
Keep containers sealed when not in use to minimize moisture absorption and preserve product quality.
Recommended storage temperature: 15 to 30°C.
Shelf life: Typically 2 years in original sealed containers under recommended storage conditions.

First Aid Measures of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:

Inhalation:
Remove affected person to fresh air.
If mist or vapors cause respiratory irritation, coughing, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.

Skin contact:
Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
E1518 Glycerine triacetate is not expected to cause significant skin irritation under normal conditions; seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye contact:
Immediately flush eyes with clean running water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Seek medical attention if redness, pain, or irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth thoroughly with water.
E1518 Glycerine triacetate has low acute toxicity and is a food-grade material; normal ingestion amounts are not expected to cause harm.
If a large amount has been swallowed or symptoms occur, seek medical advice.

Firefighting Measures of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Dry chemical powder.
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Alcohol-resistant foam.
Water spray or fine water mist.

Unsuitable extinguishing media:
Do not use a direct high-pressure water jet as it may spread burning liquid.

Specific hazards:
E1518 Glycerine triacetate is combustible with a flash point of 138°C and an autoignition temperature of approximately 312°C.
Thermal decomposition or combustion of E1518 Glycerine triacetate may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid vapors, acrolein, smoke, and irritating organic fumes.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective firefighting clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Cool exposed containers with water spray to prevent overheating and pressure buildup.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains, waterways, or soil.

Accidental Release Measures of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:

Personal precautions:
Wear suitable personal protective equipment including gloves and eye protection.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Spilled E1518 Glycerine triacetate may create extremely slippery surfaces; use caution to prevent falls.
Ensure adequate ventilation when cleaning large spills.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent uncontrolled release of E1518 Glycerine triacetate into drains, sewers, surface water, and soil.
E1518 Glycerine triacetate is biodegradable; however, large spills should be contained to minimize environmental impact.

Methods for cleaning up:
Contain spilled E1518 Glycerine triacetate using sand, earth, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, or other inert absorbent materials.
Collect absorbed material into properly labeled containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Wash the contaminated area with detergent and water after the bulk material has been removed.
Dispose of waste through an approved waste disposal facility.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate general or local exhaust ventilation, particularly when E1518 Glycerine triacetate is heated, sprayed, or used in mist-generating processes.
Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers should be available in areas where E1518 Glycerine triacetate is handled.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical safety goggles whenever splashing is possible.

Hand protection:
Wear chemical-resistant protective gloves such as nitrile, neoprene, or PVC gloves during prolonged or repeated handling of E1518 Glycerine triacetate.

Skin and body protection:
Wear suitable protective clothing if prolonged or repeated exposure to E1518 Glycerine triacetate is expected.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Respiratory protection:
Respiratory protection is normally not required for E1518 Glycerine triacetate under ambient conditions.
If ventilation is inadequate or aerosol or mist is generated during heating or spraying, use an approved organic vapor or mist respirator.

Hygiene measures:
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using E1518 Glycerine triacetate.
Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
Maintain good industrial hygiene practices.

Identifiers of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
E Number: E1518
INS Number: INS 1518
FEMA Number: FEMA 2007
CAS No.: 102-76-1
EC No.: 203-051-9
EINECS: 203-051-9
PubChem CID: 5541
ChemSpider: 5340
KEGG: C01699
HMDB: HMDB0000961
ChEBI: CHEBI:28661
UNII: XHX3C3X673
MDL Number: MFCD00009150
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID5021386
InChIKey: URAYPUMNDPQOKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: CC(=O)OCC(COC(C)=O)OC(C)=O
IUPAC Name: Propane-1,2,3-triyl triacetate
Chemical class: Glycerol triester of acetic acid
Function: Plasticizer, humectant, solvent, food additive, antifungal agent, flavoring agent, fuel additive

Properties of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
Physical state: Liquid
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow oily liquid
Odor: Slight fatty characteristic odor
Taste: Slightly bitter
Density: 1.156 g/cm3 (20°C)
Melting point: Approximately −78°C
Boiling point: 258–259°C (760 mmHg)
Flash point: 138°C (closed cup)
Autoignition temperature: Approximately 312°C
Vapor pressure: <0.01 kPa at 25°C
Refractive index: 1.430
Viscosity: Approximately 23 mPa·s at 20°C
Solubility in water: Approximately 58 g/L at 25°C; hygroscopic
Solubility in organic solvents: Completely miscible with ethanol, ether, chloroform, and benzene
Hygroscopic: Yes

Specifications of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
Chemical name: E1518 Glycerine triacetate
IUPAC name: Propane-1,2,3-triyl triacetate
Molecular formula: C9H14O6
Molecular weight: 218.20 g/mol
CAS Number: 102-76-1
Assay (GC): ≥99.0%
Acidity (as acetic acid, %): ≤0.02
Water content (%): ≤0.2
Color (APHA): ≤15
Refractive index (20°C): 1.429–1.431
Density (g/cm3, 20°C): 1.154–1.158
Heavy metals (as Pb, mg/kg): ≤10
Arsenic (As, mg/kg): ≤3
Storage conditions: Store in tightly closed containers at 15 to 30°C, away from heat, direct sunlight, strong oxidizing agents, and strong alkalis; shelf life 2 years
Available grades: Food-grade (FCC/E1518), pharmaceutical-grade (USP/EP), industrial-grade

Names of E1518 Glycerine triacetate:
Glyceryl triacetate
Triacetin
Glycerol triacetate
Glycerine triacetate
1,2,3-Propanetriol triacetate
1,2,3-Triacetoxypropane
Propane-1,2,3-triyl triacetate
Triacetine
Enzactin
Fungacetin
Glyped
Vanay
E1518
INS 1518
FEMA 2007
CAS 102-76-1