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INTRODUCTION
E1518 Triacetin, chemically known as glyceryl triacetate or 1,2,3-triacetoxypropane, is a synthetic organic compound.
Produced by acetylation of the three hydroxyl groups of glycerol, triacetin is used for various purposes in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries.
It is a clear, colorless, oily liquid with low volatility and a high boiling point, making it useful as a solvent, carrier, and plasticizer in many formulations.
In food applications, it is identified by the code E1518 and is used particularly as a carrier for flavoring ingredients and to modify the physical properties of certain products.
CHEMICAL PROFILE AND IDENTIFIERS
E Number: E1518
CAS Number: 102-76-1
Chemical Name: Glyceryl triacetate
Alternative Chemical Name: 1,2,3-Triacetoxypropane
CBNumber: CB7441695
Molecular Formula: C9H14O6
Molecular Weight: 218.2 g/mol
MOL File: 102-76-1.mol
EC / EINECS Number: 203-051-9
PubChem CID: 5541
FEMA Number: 2007
JECFA Number: 920
Merck: 14,9589
BRN: 1792353
Common Synonyms: Triacetin, glycerol triacetate, glyceryl triacetate, glycerin triacetate, triacetyl glycerol, triacetine, Vanay, Enzactin, Fungacetin
Chemical Structure: A triester formed from glycerol and acetic acid
Biological Source: Synthetic
GENERAL CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Physical State: Viscous, oily liquid
Odor: Mild or characteristic odor; some sources describe it as odorless.
Odor Type: Described as fruity in some flavor-related references.
Taste: Slightly sweet at low concentrations; it may taste bitter at higher concentrations.
Melting Point: Reported at approximately 3 °C; values may vary by source and measurement conditions.
Boiling Point: Approximately 258–260 °C
Density: Approximately 1.16 g/mL at 25 °C
Vapor Density: Approximately 7.52 relative to air
Vapor Pressure: Approximately 0.00248 mmHg at 25 °C
Refractive Index: n25/D 1.429–1.431
Flash Point: Reported as approximately 149 °C or 300 °F in some sources; the value depends on the test method.
Water Solubility: Reported at approximately 64 g/L at 20 °C.
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Miscible with certain organic solvents, including ethanol and toluene; solubility and miscibility depend on the solvent and conditions.
pH: Reported at approximately 5.0–6.0 for a 50 g/L aqueous preparation at 20 °C.
Specific Heat Capacity: Approximately 1.76 J/(g·K) for the liquid at 25 °C
Explosion Limit: Some sources report a lower explosion limit of approximately 1.05%; the test conditions should be considered.
Storage Conditions: Store at room temperature in a dry environment in tightly closed containers.
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND SYNTHESIS
Chemical Structure: Triacetin is a triester formed by acetylation of the three hydroxyl groups of glycerol.
Main Raw Materials: Glycerol and acetylating agents such as acetic acid or acetic anhydride.
Esterification Method: Glycerol can be converted to triacetin by reaction with acetic acid or acetic anhydride under suitable reaction conditions.
Catalysts: Acid catalysts or other suitable catalytic systems may be used, depending on the manufacturing process.
Purification: Post-production treatment may include neutralization, washing, drying, and distillation.
Product Purity: Purity depends on the manufacturing method and commercial product specifications.
Note: Historical or laboratory-scale synthesis procedures involving benzene, strong acids, and elevated temperatures should not be carried out without appropriate engineering controls and safety procedures.
APPLICATIONS
1) FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY
Flavor Carrier: It can help dissolve flavoring ingredients and distribute them evenly throughout a formulation.
Solvent: It is used as a solvent or carrier in certain flavor preparations.
Humectant: It may contribute to moisture retention in suitable food formulations.
Plasticizer: It can help modify softness and flexibility in chewing gum bases.
Texture Modifier: It may be used to adjust the physical properties and texture of certain food products.
Typical Applications: Chewing gum, flavor preparations, confectionery, baked goods, and certain non-alcoholic beverage formulations.
Note: Permitted food applications and maximum use levels vary by country and product category.
2) PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Pharmaceutical Excipient: It may be used as a solvent, carrier, or plasticizer in certain pharmaceutical formulations.
Film Coating: It can help improve flexibility in some tablet and capsule coatings.
Drug Delivery Systems: Triacetin has been investigated as a solvent or formulation component in selected drug delivery systems.
Controlled-Release Research: Some studies have investigated triacetin in phospholipid-based gel systems designed for controlled release of active ingredients such as paclitaxel.
Topical Applications: Its fungistatic activity, associated with the release of acetic acid, has been considered for certain topical applications; efficacy and safety evidence should be evaluated separately for medical use.
Note: Use in specialized pharmaceutical formulations, injectable products, or cancer treatments should only be considered when the relevant quality, safety, and clinical requirements are met.
3) COSMETICS AND PERFUMERY
Fragrance Fixative: It may help modify the evaporation behavior of fragrance ingredients in perfume formulations.
Solvent: It can be used to dissolve certain ingredients in cosmetic and perfumery formulations.
Plasticizer: In suitable formulations, it can improve the flexibility of polymer-based materials.
Personal Care Products: Suitability depends on the product type, purity, and applicable regulations.
4) POLYMER, PLASTICS, AND PAINT INDUSTRIES
Plasticizer: It may be used in certain cellulose derivatives and resin systems to improve flexibility and processability.
Celluloid and Film Production: Historically, it has been used as a solvent or auxiliary ingredient in certain cellulose-based materials.
Paints and Inks: It may be included as a solvent or auxiliary component in selected formulations.
Technical Dyes: Depending on their composition, technical triacetin products may be used to dissolve certain dyestuffs.
5) TOBACCO INDUSTRY
Cellulose Acetate Filters: It is used as a plasticizer in cigarette filter rods, helping bind cellulose acetate fibers together.
Filter Properties: It can influence the integrity, flexibility, and physical properties of the filter.
Occupational Exposure: Rare cases of contact dermatitis associated with cigarette filter materials containing triacetin have been reported; sensitivity and exposure conditions should be considered.
6) ANALYTICAL AND LABORATORY APPLICATIONS
Lipase Analysis: It can be used as a substrate for the lipase enzyme in certain laboratory methods.
Chromatography: It may be used as a solvent or fixing component in specific analytical methods.
Gas Chromatography: Under suitable analytical conditions, it can be used in the separation and analysis of certain compounds.
Gas Separation and Aldehyde Analysis: Some technical references list it for specialized analytical applications; suitability should be verified for each method.
7) OTHER INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
Gas Processing: Some technical references describe potential use of triacetin for carbon dioxide removal from natural gas streams; industrial suitability and performance must be verified for the specific process.
Foundry Systems: It may be used as an auxiliary component in certain resin or binder systems.
Fuel Research: It has been investigated in some studies as a fuel additive or as a component that modifies fuel properties; commercial use and performance depend on the application.
SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
Food Safety: Triacetin is used as a food additive under specified conditions in some jurisdictions; current legal requirements must be checked.
US Regulations: Regulatory records and GRAS assessments exist for certain food-related uses of triacetin. Current FDA records should be verified for the intended application.
SCOGS: Triacetin is referenced in sources associated with evaluations by the US Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS); historical records do not replace current regulatory authorization.
JECFA: Listed under JECFA number 920. Acceptable daily intake information and conditions of use should be checked against current JECFA records.
Toxicological Profile: Safety depends on dose, route of exposure, product purity, and conditions of use.
Metabolism: Triacetin can be hydrolyzed to glycerol and acetic acid, which enter normal metabolic processes.
Skin Contact: Irritation or contact dermatitis may occur in some individuals or under certain exposure conditions.
Inhalation: Low toxicity reported in certain repeated, short-term animal exposure studies does not mean that all forms of inhalation exposure are safe.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in closed containers made of suitable materials.
Incompatible Materials: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and incompatible materials listed in the manufacturer's safety data sheet.
Important Note: Technical properties, applications, and regulatory conditions may vary by product grade and source. Before use, consult the manufacturer's current technical data sheet (TDS), safety data sheet (SDS), and applicable regulations.
CONTACT ATAMAN KIMYA
For further information, technical specifications, product quality details, and supply inquiries regarding E1518 Triacetin (Glyceryl Triacetate), please contact Ataman Kimya.
