Name: Triacetin
CAS No: 1,2,3-Propanetriol triacetate [102-76-1]
BP: Triacetin PhEur: Triacetin USP: Triacetin
Captex 500; E1518; glycerol triacetate; glyceryl triacetate; triacetinum; triacetyl glycerine.
1,2,3-Propanetriol triacetate [102-76-1]
C9H14O6 218.21
Triacetin is mainly used as a hydrophilic plasticizer in both aqueous and solvent-based polymeric coating of capsules, tablets, beads, and granules; typical concentrations used are 10–35% w/w.(1,2) Triacetin is used in cosmetics, perfumery, and foods as a solvent and as a fixative in the formulation of perfumes and flavors.
Triacetin is a colorless, viscous liquid with a slightly fatty odor.
See Table I.
Autoignition temperature 4328C Boiling point 2588C Density 1.16 g/cm3 at 258C Explosive limits 1.05% at 1898C lower limit; 7.73% at 2158C upper limit. Flash point 1538C (open cup) Freezing point 3.28C (supercools to about –708C) Melting point 788C Refractive index nD 25 = 1.4296 Solubility see Table II. Vapor density (relative) 7.52 (air = 1) Vapor pressure 133 Pa (1 mmHg) at 1008C Viscosity (dynamic) 1111 mPa s (1111 cP) at –17.88C; 107 mPa s (107 cP) at 08C; 17.4 mPa s (17.4 cP) at 258C; 1.8 mPa s (1.8 cP) at 1008C.
Triacetin is stable and should be stored in a well-closed, nonmetallic container, in a cool, dry place.
Triacetin is incompatible with metals and may react with oxidizing agents. Triacetin may destroy rayon fabric.
Triacetin is prepared by the esterification of glycerin with acetic anhydride.
Triacetin is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material at the levels employed as an excipient.(3) LD50 (dog, IV): 1.5 g/kg(4) LD50 (mouse, IP): 1.4 g/kg LD50 (mouse, IV): 1.6 g/kg LD50 (mouse, oral): 1.1 g/kg LD50 (mouse, SC): 2.3 g/kg LD50 (rabbit, IV): 0.75 g/kg LD50 (rat, IP): 2.1 g/kg LD50 (rat, oral): 3 g/kg LD50 (rat, SC): 2.8 g/kg
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Triacetin may be irritant to the eyes; eye protection and gloves are recommended.
GRAS listed. Accepted in Europe as a food additive in certain applications. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (oral capsules and tablets and gels). Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
—
A specification for triacetin is contained in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC).(5) The EINECS number for triacetin is 203-051-9. The PubChem Compound ID (CID) for triacetin is 5541.