E1518 (TRIACETIN)

E1518 (Triacetin) is a synthetically produced food additive and industrial chemical classified as the triester of glycerol and acetic acid, used as a solvent and carrier for food flavourings, humectant, plasticizer, and emulsifier in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, tobacco, and industrial sectors.
E1518 (Triacetin) is also known as glyceryl triacetate and glycerol triacetate, and is produced by the complete esterification of all three hydroxyl groups of glycerol with acetic acid or acetic anhydride, yielding a colorless, viscous, oily liquid with a very faint fruity odor and a mild sweet taste that becomes bitter at concentrations above 0.05%.
E1518 (Triacetin) is approved as a food additive in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 with E number E1518, is recognized as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA under 21 CFR 184.1901, and carries Codex Alimentarius INS number 1518 and JECFA number 920, confirming its established safety profile for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.

CAS Number: 102-76-1
EC Number (EINECS): 203-051-9
E Number: E1518
INS Number: 1518 (Codex Alimentarius)
FEMA Number: 2007
JECFA Number: 920
Molecular Formula: C9H14O6
Molecular Weight: 218.205 g/mol
IUPAC Name: Propane-1,2,3-triyl triacetate
SMILES: CC(=O)OCC(COC(C)=O)OC(C)=O
InChI: 1S/C9H14O6/c1-6(10)13-4-9(15-8(3)12)5-14-7(2)11/h9H,4-5H2,1-3H3
InChIKey: URAYPUMNDPQOKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem CID: 5541
ChEBI: CHEBI:9661
ChEMBL: ChEMBL1489254
ChemSpider: 13835706
KEGG: D00384
RTECS: AK3675000
UNII: XHX3C3X673
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID3026691
ECHA InfoCard: 100.002.775
Beilstein/REAXYS Number: 1792353
MDL Number: MFCD00008716
HS Code: 2915.39.30
Vapor density (air=1): 7.52
NFPA 704: Health 1 / Flammability 1 / Reactivity 0

Synonyms: Triacetin, Glyceryl Triacetate, Glycerol Triacetate, Glycerin Triacetate, Triacetylglycerol, 1,2,3-Triacetoxypropane, 1,2,3-Propanetriol Triacetate, Propane-1,2,3-triyl Triacetate, 1,2,3-Triacetylglycerol, Triacetine, Glycerol Trisacetate, GTA, GTC, E1518, A1518 (Australian code), CAS 102-76-1

E1518 (Triacetin) is a triglyceride — the triester formed by the complete acetylation of glycerol — making it chemically distinct from partial esters including monoacetin (E1516, glyceryl monoacetate) in which one hydroxyl is acetylated and diacetin (E1517, glyceryl diacetate) in which two hydroxyls are acetylated.
E1518 (Triacetin) was first prepared in 1854 by the French chemist Marcellin Berthelot from glycerol and acetic acid, and commercial production began in the 1920s for use as a plasticizer and solvent; it is included in the SCOGS (Select Committee on GRAS Substances) database since 1975.

E1518 (Triacetin) has been evaluated by the OECD under its High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals Programme; global production is estimated at 10,000–50,000 tonnes per year with Japan producing approximately 5,000 tonnes per year, confirming its status as a high-volume industrial chemical.
E1518 (Triacetin) is not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture under GHS/CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, and is not classified as dangerous according to Directive 67/548/EEC, indicating an overall favorable safety and regulatory profile for industrial and consumer applications.

E1518 (Triacetin) occurs naturally in trace amounts — it has been reported in papaya — though commercial triacetin is synthetically manufactured and contains less than 0.1% diacetin and 0.01% monoacetin as impurities in standard commercial grade.
E1518 (Triacetin) is a controlled-release ester prodrug of the short-chain fatty acid acetate, cleaved by pancreatic and gastric lipases to yield glycerol and three molecules of acetate, and has been investigated for potential use in parenteral nutrition, treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, and as a dietary supplement marketed under brand names including REBiome.

Uses of E1518 (Triacetin):
E1518 (Triacetin) is used in the food industry as a solvent and carrier for fat-soluble and water-soluble flavourings and colorants in chewing gum, confectionery, baked goods, beverages, and coating and glazing formulations, ensuring uniform distribution without altering their technological function.
E1518 (Triacetin) is used as a humectant in food products including chewing gum, baked goods, sausage casings, jams, jellies, and marmalades, where its hygroscopic character binds ambient moisture and prevents drying, maintaining texture and extending shelf life.

E1518 (Triacetin) is used as a plasticizer and softening agent in chewing gum base, providing the flexibility and chewability of the gum matrix, and in edible coatings, casings, and confectionery where textural softening is required.
E1518 (Triacetin) is used as an emulsifier in dairy desserts, salad dressings, dairy products, and other food formulations to facilitate mixing of oil and water phases and improve product stability.

E1518 (Triacetin) is used extensively in pharmaceutical formulations as a humectant, plasticizer, and solvent, including in oral capsule shells, controlled-release film coatings, topical ointments, cough syrups, elixirs, expectorants, lozenges, and transdermal patches.
E1518 (Triacetin) is used as a controlled-release agent in pharmaceutical delivery systems such as push-pull osmotic pumps and biodegradable phospholipid gel systems for targeted drug delivery of active ingredients including paclitaxel for cancer treatment.

E1518 (Triacetin) is used as the primary plasticizer and bonding agent for cellulose acetate fiber filters in cigarette manufacturing, representing one of its highest-volume industrial applications globally.
E1518 (Triacetin) is used as a versatile plasticizer in industrial polymer applications for cellulose acetate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), starch, and other cellulose-based plastics and resins, improving flexibility, processability, tensile properties, and biodegradability.

E1518 (Triacetin) is used as a fuel additive and antiknock agent for gasoline, and to improve cold-temperature viscosity properties of biodiesel blends.
E1518 (Triacetin) is used as a solvent in printing inks, building wall coatings, cosmetics (including nail polish and skin care products), perfumery, tanning, and as a core sand binder in metal foundry operations.

E1518 (Triacetin) is used as a greener alternative to highly toxic diluents in membrane preparation, aligning with the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry in less hazardous chemical synthesis applications.
E1518 (Triacetin) is used as an antifungal agent in pharmaceutical preparations and as a flavor fixative and solvent in oleoresins and alcohol-free flavor concentrates.

Benefits or Advantages of E1518 (Triacetin):
E1518 (Triacetin) is hydrolyzed in the body by pancreatic and gastric lipases to glycerol and acetic acid — both naturally occurring metabolic compounds — and is therefore considered safe for consumption with an oral LD50 of 3 g/kg in rats indicating low acute toxicity.
E1518 (Triacetin) is recognized as GRAS by the US FDA, has been assigned an ADI of "not specified" by JECFA, and is not classified as hazardous under GHS/CLP, providing a strong multi-jurisdictional regulatory safety foundation for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic use.

E1518 (Triacetin) has a very high flash point of 138°C (closed cup) and an autoignition temperature of 430°C, providing excellent fire safety during manufacturing and processing operations at typical food and pharmaceutical industry temperatures.
E1518 (Triacetin) is compatible with all religious groups, vegetarians, and vegans when derived from synthetic or plant-origin glycerol, and is not toxic to animals in studies of exposure through repeated inhalation over relatively short periods.

E1518 (Triacetin) delivers acetate to the gut and body as a prodrug, potentially increasing levels of the butyrate-producing gut bacteria Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, offering a potential alternative to dietary fiber for patients with irritable bowel syndrome who are intolerant to fiber due to gas and bloating.
E1518 (Triacetin) has been considered as a possible source of food energy in artificial food regeneration systems for long space missions, with evidence suggesting it is safe to derive over half of dietary energy from triacetin.

Features of E1518 (Triacetin):
E1518 (Triacetin) is a colorless to very light yellow, oily, viscous liquid at room temperature with a very faint, slightly fatty fruity odor, a mild sweet taste at concentrations below 500 ppm that becomes bitter above 0.05%, and a density of approximately 1.155–1.160 g/cm³ at 20°C.
E1518 (Triacetin) has a very low melting point of -78°C, ensuring it remains liquid over an extremely wide temperature range, a boiling point of approximately 259°C at 760 mmHg, a viscosity of approximately 17–23 mPa·s at 20–25°C, and a refractive index of n25/D 1.430–1.431.

E1518 (Triacetin) is slightly soluble in water (6.1 g/100 mL) and fully miscible with ethanol, acetone, benzene, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and chloroform, and partially miscible with fats, with a logP of 0.25–0.35 indicating low lipophilicity and moderate hydrophilicity.
E1518 (Triacetin) has a very low vapor pressure of less than 0.01 mmHg at 25°C (1 Pa at 37.6°C), indicating negligible volatility under normal ambient handling conditions and minimal inhalation exposure risk.

Chemical Properties of E1518 (Triacetin):
E1518 (Triacetin) is the triester of glycerol (propane-1,2,3-triol) and acetic acid in which all three hydroxyl groups are esterified with acetyl groups (-OCOCH₃), with the structural formula C₃H₅(OCOCH₃)₃, molecular formula C₉H₁₄O₆, and molecular weight 218.205 g/mol.
E1518 (Triacetin) has the thermodynamic properties: standard enthalpy of formation ΔfH°298 = -1330.8 kJ/mol, standard enthalpy of combustion ΔcH°298 = 4211.6 kJ/mol, enthalpy of vaporization 85.74 kJ/mol, heat capacity 389 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹, and standard molar entropy S°298 = 458.3 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹.

E1518 (Triacetin) is chemically stable under ordinary conditions and across a pH range of 5.0–7.0; it may react with strong oxidizing agents, is incompatible with metals (may react with metals), and may destroy rayon fabric upon contact.
E1518 (Triacetin) undergoes hydrolysis under acidic or alkaline conditions, yielding diacetin, monoacetin, glycerol, and acetic acid as sequential hydrolysis products; enzymatic hydrolysis by pancreatic and gastric lipases is the primary metabolic pathway in vivo.

Production of E1518 (Triacetin):
E1518 (Triacetin) is industrially manufactured by the reaction of glycerol with acetic anhydride: 3(CH₃CO)₂O + C₃H₅(OH)₃ → C₃H₅(OCOCH₃)₃ + 3CH₃COOH, or by the esterification of glycerol with glacial acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid or potassium hydrogen sulfate at elevated temperatures.
E1518 (Triacetin) can be synthesized with catalytic sodium hydroxide and microwave irradiation to give 99% yield, or with a cobalt(II) Salen complex catalyst supported on silicon dioxide at 50°C for 55 minutes to give 99% yield; it can also be prepared by the reaction of oxygen with a liquid-phase mixture of allyl acetate and acetic acid using a bromide salt catalyst.

E1518 (Triacetin) is manufactured in a closed reaction system; commercially available triacetin contains less than 0.1% diacetin and 0.01% monoacetin as impurities and is available in food grade (purity ≥99.5%), foundry grade (purity ≥99%), and pharmaceutical grade (Ph Eur, BP, ChP, USP) specifications.
E1518 (Triacetin) is packaged in 240 kg drums, 1,150 kg IBC drums, and 22–25 tonne ISO tanks for large-scale industrial supply.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of E1518 (Triacetin):

Handling of E1518 (Triacetin):
E1518 (Triacetin) should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices and in compliance with the applicable Safety Data Sheet.
E1518 (Triacetin) handling requires avoiding breathing dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapors, or spray (P261), avoiding contact with eyes, skin, and clothing (P262), and using personal protective equipment as required (P281).

SDS of E1518 (Triacetin):

Stability and Reactivity of E1518 (Triacetin):

Chemical stability:
E1518 (Triacetin) is stable under ordinary conditions and in the pH range of 5.0–7.0.

Reactivity:
E1518 (Triacetin) may react with strong oxidizing agents and is incompatible with metals.
E1518 (Triacetin) undergoes hydrolysis under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions.

Conditions to avoid:
Contact with strong oxidizing agents.
Contact with metals.
Strongly acidic or strongly alkaline conditions.
High temperatures above flash point (138°C).

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Metals (reactive).
Strong acids (concentrated).
Strong alkalis (concentrated).

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Acetic acid vapors (under thermal decomposition or fire conditions).
Irritating organic fumes.

Handling and Storage of E1518 (Triacetin):

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid breathing vapors or mist; use adequate ventilation.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling areas.

Storage:
Keep containers tightly sealed.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place below 30°C.
Store away from strong oxidants, metals, and heat sources.
Protect from direct sunlight.
Shelf life: 12 months in original sealed packaging.
Packaging: 240 kg drum, 1,150 kg IBC tank, 22–25 tonnes ISO tank.

First Aid Measures of E1518 (Triacetin):

Inhalation:
Move affected person to fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Seek medical advice if respiratory irritation develops.

Skin contact:
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops.

Eye contact:
Rinse immediately and thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
Seek medical advice; oral LD50 in rat is 3 g/kg, indicating low acute toxicity.

Firefighting Measures of E1518 (Triacetin):

Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide.

Specific hazards:
E1518 (Triacetin) is a combustible liquid with a flash point of 138°C (280°F) and an autoignition temperature of 430°C (806°F).
Explosive limits: lower 1.05% at 189°F / upper 7.73% at 215°F.
Thermal decomposition or combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid vapors, and irritating organic fumes.

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

Firefighting instructions:
Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of E1518 (Triacetin):

Personal precautions:
Avoid contact with eyes and skin; spilled E1518 (Triacetin) creates a slipping hazard.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent E1518 (Triacetin) from entering drains or waterways; aquatic toxicity is low (fish LC50 96h >100–165 mg/L; Daphnia EC50 48h ~380–811 mg/L; algae EC50 72h >1,000 mg/L).

Methods for cleaning up:
Contain spill with inert absorbent material such as sand or vermiculite.
Collect into properly labeled waste containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Wash contaminated surfaces with water after collection.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of E1518 (Triacetin):

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate ventilation; use local exhaust ventilation where mist or vapor may be generated.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses or chemical splash goggles where splashing is possible.

Hand protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves for prolonged or repeated skin contact.

Skin and body protection:
Wear suitable protective clothing to prevent prolonged skin contact.

Respiratory protection:
Not normally required under ambient conditions given the very low vapor pressure of E1518 (Triacetin).
Use a suitable respirator if mist or vapor is generated during heating or spraying operations.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands thoroughly after handling E1518 (Triacetin) and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Identifiers of E1518 (Triacetin):
E Number: E1518
INS Number: 1518
FEMA Number: 2007
JECFA Number: 920
CAS Number: 102-76-1
EC Number (EINECS): 203-051-9
Molecular Formula: C9H14O6
Molecular Weight: 218.205 g/mol
PubChem CID: 5541
ChEBI: CHEBI:9661
ChEMBL: ChEMBL1489254
ChemSpider: 13835706
KEGG: D00384
RTECS: AK3675000
UNII: XHX3C3X673
CompTox (EPA): DTXSID3026691
ECHA InfoCard: 100.002.775
Beilstein/REAXYS: 1792353
MDL Number: MFCD00008716
HS Code: 2915.39.30
Vapor density (air=1): 7.52
NFPA: Health 1 / Flammability 1 / Reactivity 0
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous (CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008)
GHS Signal Word: None
GHS Hazard Statements: None
US FDA: GRAS (21 CFR 184.1901); included in SCOGS database since 1975
EU Status: Approved food additive E1518 under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008
REACH: Registered; no classified hazards (ECHA)
OECD HPV: Evaluated; global production 10,000–50,000 tonnes/year
Dietary restrictions: Suitable for all religious groups, vegetarians, and vegans (when plant-origin or synthetic)
Natural occurrence: Reported found in papaya

Properties of E1518 (Triacetin):
Physical state (20°C): Liquid
Appearance: Colorless to very light yellow oily liquid
Odor: Very faint, slightly fatty, fruity
Taste: Mild, sweet below 500 ppm; bitter above 0.05%
Melting point: -78°C (-108°F)
Boiling point: 258–260°C at 760 mmHg
Flash point: 138°C (280°F, closed cup)
Autoignition temperature: 430°C (806°F)
Explosive limits: 1.05% (lower) / 7.73% (upper)
Density (20°C): 1.155–1.160 g/cm³
Density (25°C): ~1.150–1.158 g/cm³
Refractive index (n25/D): 1.429–1.431
Viscosity (20–25°C): 17–23 mPa·s
Vapor pressure (25°C): <0.01 mmHg (1 Pa at 37.6°C)
Vapor density (air=1): 7.52
Solubility in water (25°C): 6.1 g/100 mL
Solubility in ethanol: Miscible
Solubility in acetone: Very soluble
Solubility in benzene: Soluble
Solubility in diethyl ether: Soluble
logP (octanol/water): 0.25–0.35
pH (5% solution, 20°C): 5.0–7.0
Heat capacity: 389 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Enthalpy of formation (ΔfH°298): -1330.8 kJ/mol
Enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH°298): 4211.6 kJ/mol
Enthalpy of vaporization: 85.74 kJ/mol
Thermal decomposition: begins >200°C
GHS Classification: Not classified

Specifications of E1518 (Triacetin):

Food Grade:
Appearance: Colorless transparent liquid
Purity: ≥99.5%
Color (Pt-Co): ≤15
Water: ≤0.05%
Acidity (mg KOH/g): ≤0.005
Refractive index (25°C/D): 1.430–1.435
Relative density (25/25°C): 1.154–1.164
Heavy metals (as Pb): ≤5 ppm
Arsenic: ≤1 ppm

Foundry Grade:
Appearance: Colorless transparent liquid
Purity: ≥99.0%
Color (Pt-Co): ≤30
Water: ≤0.05%
Acidity (mg KOH/g): ≤0.01
Refractive index (25°C/D): 1.430–1.435
Relative density (25/25°C): 1.154–1.164
Heavy metals (as Pb): ≤5 ppm
Arsenic: ≤3 ppm

Pharmaceutical Grade: Ph Eur, BP, ChP, USP compliant
Storage: Cool, dry, well-ventilated; keep sealed; away from oxidants; max 30°C
Shelf life: 12 months in original sealed packaging
Packaging: 240 kg drum / 1,150 kg IBC / 22–25 tonnes ISO tank

Names of E1518 (Triacetin):
E1518
Triacetin
Glyceryl Triacetate
Glycerol Triacetate
Glycerin Triacetate
Triacetylglycerol
Triacetine
1,2,3-Triacetoxypropane
1,2,3-Propanetriol Triacetate
Propane-1,2,3-triyl Triacetate
1,2,3-Triacetylglycerol
Triacetyl Glycerin
Glycerol Trisacetate
GTA
GTC
A1518 (Australian food additive code)
INS 1518
FEMA 2007
CAS 102-76-1