Description
Tributyrin (C15H26O6), also known as butyrin or glyceryl tributyrate, is the triester of glycerin and butyric acid. It is prepared by esterifcation of glycerin with excess butyric acid. Glycerol tributyrate has a characteristic odor and a bitter taste.
Chemical Properties
Tributyrin is a colorless, oily liquid
with a bitter taste. It is soluble in alcohol and ether and fairly insoluble in water.
Uses
Tributyrin is a flavoring agent that is the triester of glycerin and
butyric acid. it is prepared by esterification of glycerin with excess
butyric acid. it is used in the following foods: baked goods; alcoholic
beverages; nonalcoholic beverages; fats and oils; frozen dairy des-
serts and mixes; gelatins, puddings and fillings; and soft candy. it is
also termed butyrin and glyceryl tributyrate.
Definition
ChEBI: A triglyceride obtained by formal acylation of the three hydroxy groups of glycerol by butyric acid.
Production Methods
Tributyrin is manufactured via esterification of glycerol
with butyric acid.
Preparation
Prepared by esterifcation of glycerol with excess butyric acid.
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristics at 30 ppm: bitter, waxy, fatty, cheese and butter nuances.
General Description
Tributyrin is a short-chain triacylglycerol that mainly occurs in butter. It shows potent anti-cancer property.
Safety Profile
Poison by intravenous
route. Low toxicity by ingestion.
Questionable carcinogen with experimental
tumorigenic data. Combustible liquid. When
heated to decomposition it emits acrid
smoke and irritating fumes.
Carcinogenicity
Administration of sodium
butyrate in drinking water potentiates 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-
induced colon cancer in rats . In mice, dietary
administration of 5% tributyrin for 48 weeks did not lead to
an increase in colonic tumor incidence or focal areas of
dysplasia as compared to controls . Therefore, it has
been suggested that the agent responsible for enhanced
tumorigenesis in the rat study was sodium, rather than
butyrate.
