Toxicity
AD10~20mg/kg (FAO/WHO, 2001). GRAS (FDA, §182.1911, 2000). LD505900 mg/kg (rat, oral).
Description
Triethyl citrate is the triester of citric acid and ethyl alcohol.
Triethyl citrate is used as a flavoring agent in foods, as a high boiling solvent and plasticizer for vinyl resins and cellulose acetates, as a plasticizer in the pharmaceutical industry for coating. Triethyl citrate is used as a natural active ingredient and flavor component with excellent deodorizing and skin care properties in cosmetic and personal care products. Triethyl citrate is also used as a plasticizer and humectant for cigarette filters. Furthermore, triethyl citrate is used s a food additive for stabilizing foams, specifically as a whipping enhancer for organic egg whites during processing.
References
[1] RH Dave (2016) Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules, Drug Topics (online). Advanstar.
[2] http://www.who.int/en/
[3] http://www.in-cosmetics.com
[4] http://www.chemicalland21.com
[5] https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Triethyl%20Citrate%20report%202014.pdf
Chemical Properties
Triethyl citrate is a clear, viscous, odorless, and practically colorless,
hygroscopic liquid.
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 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.
Uses
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).
Uses
Pharmaceutic aid (plasticizer).
Uses
Triethyl Citrate is a sequestrant that is an oily liquid, slightly solu-
ble in water. it is found in lemon drinks.
Production Methods
Triethyl citrate is prepared by the esterification of citric acid and
ethanol in the presence of a catalyst.
Definition
ChEBI: Triethyl citrate is a carbonyl compound.
Preparation
By esterification of ethyl alcohol with citric acid.
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.
Toxics Screening Level
The final ITSL for triethyl citrate is 290 μg/m3 (annual average).
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.
