Triethyl citrate

Chemical properties

Colorless, mobile liquid; bitter taste. Solubility in water 6.5 g/100 cc; solubility in oil 0.8 g/100 cc. Combustible.

Chemical properties

Triethyl citrate is a clear, viscous, odorless, and practically colorless, hygroscopic liquid.

Chemical properties

Triethyl citrate is odorless, but has a bitter taste.

Occurrence

Reported found in Morello cherry, sour cherry and red currant. Also reported found in raw cabbage and white wine.

The Uses of Triethyl citrate

Triethyl Citrate is a sequestrant that is an oily liquid, slightly solu- ble in water. it is found in lemon drinks.

The Uses of Triethyl citrate

Pharmaceutic aid (plasticizer).

The Uses of Triethyl citrate

Triethyl Citrate, is a colorless, odorless liquid used as a food additive to stabilize foams, especially as whipping aid for egg white. It is also used in pharmaceutical coatings and plastics. This compound is a contaminant of emerging concern (CECs).

Production Methods

Triethyl citrate is prepared by the esterification of citric acid and ethanol in the presence of a catalyst.

Preparation

By esterification of ethyl alcohol with citric acid.

Definition

ChEBI: Triethyl citrate is a carbonyl compound.

General Description

Triethyl citrate is a safe direct food additive.

Pharmaceutical Applications

Triethyl citrate and the related esters acetyltriethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, and acetyltributyl citrate are used to plasticize polymers in formulated pharmaceutical coatings. The coating applications include capsules, tablets, beads, and granules for taste masking, immediate release, sustained-release, and enteric formulations.
Triethyl citrate is also used as a direct food additive for flavoring, for solvency, and as a surface active agent.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. Mildly toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Combustible liquid when exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, use dry chemical, CO2. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ESTERS and CITRIC ACID.

Safety

Triethyl citrate is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations and as a direct food additive. It is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material. However, ingestion of large quantities may be harmful.
LD50 (mouse, IP): 1.75 g/kg
LD50 (rat, IP): 4 g/kg
LD50 (rat, oral): 5.9 g/kg
LD50 (rat, SC): 6.6 g/kg

storage

Triethyl citrate should be stored in a closed container in a cool, dry location. When stored in accordance with these conditions, triethyl citrate is a stable product.

Incompatibilities

Triethyl citrate is incompatible with strong alkalis and oxidizing materials.

Regulatory Status

GRAS listed. Accepted for use as a food additive in Europe. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (oral capsules and tablets). Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Nonmedicinal Ingredients.