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.
Definition
ChEBI: Triethyl citrate is a carbonyl compound.
Preparation
By esterification of ethyl alcohol with citric acid.
Production Methods
Triethyl citrate is prepared by the esterification of citric acid and
ethanol in the presence of a catalyst.
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
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.
