Chemical Properties
Acetyltriethyl citrate occurs as a clear, odorless, practically colorless
oily liquid.
Uses
ATEC is produced by the reaction of citric acid triethyl ester
with acetic acid anhydride. It is used as a solvent plasticizer
for cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate.
Production Methods
Acetyltriethyl citrate is prepared by the esterification of citric acid
with ethanol followed by acylation with acetic anhydride.
General Description
Certified pharmaceutical secondary standards for application in quality control, provide pharma laboratories and manufacturers with a convenient and cost-effective alternative to the preparation of in-house working standards. Triethyl 2-acetylcitrate is widely used in hydrophilic adhesives for medications and in biodegradable composition for papermaking and nonwoven production.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Acetyltriethyl citrate is 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. It is also
used in diffusion-controlled release drug delivery systems.
Safety
Acetyltriethyl citrate is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations
and is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritating material.
However, ingestion of large quantities may be harmful.
LD50 (cat, oral): 8.5 g/kg
LD50 (mouse, IP): 1.15 g/kg
LD50 (rat, oral): 7 g/kg
storage
Acetyltriethyl citrate should be stored in dry, closed containers at
temperatures not exceeding 388℃. When stored in accordance with
these conditions, acetyltriethyl citrate is a stable product.
Incompatibilities
Acetyltriethyl citrate is incompatible with strong alkalis and
oxidizing materials.
Regulatory Status
Approved in the USA for direct food contact in food films.
