Acetates & Esters, High-Purity Solvents

Triacetin (Glycerol Triacetate)

Triacetin, chemically identified as glycerol triacetate with CAS number 102-76-1, is a triester formed from the esterification of glycerol and acetic acid. This colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid is categorized as a triglyceride, exhibiting a moderate degree of polarity and compatibility with various organic solvents. It possesses a high boiling point and low volatility, making it an exceptionally stable compound under standard atmospheric conditions. Triacetin is recognized globally for its safety profile, often categorized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by food regulatory agencies. Its chemical structure consists of a propane-1,2,3-triyl backbone with three acetate groups attached, allowing it to function effectively as a plasticizer, solvent, and humectant. Its unique solubility profile permits it to bridge the gap between polar and non-polar substances. Furthermore, triacetin demonstrates antimicrobial properties and excellent thermal stability, which are critical for diverse industrial processes ranging from pharmaceutical manufacturing to high-performance fuel additive synthesis globally today.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Excellent chemical stability with a high boiling point of 258°C, ensuring minimal evaporation loss during industrial high-temperature processing.
Exhibits a very low freezing point of approximately -78°C, making it an effective cryoprotectant and antifreeze component in specialized formulations.
Possesses Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, allowing its widespread utilization in food-grade applications and sensitive pharmaceutical delivery systems.
Highly effective as a plasticizer for cellulosic resins, specifically increasing flexibility and durability in cellulose acetate films and cigarette filters.
Moderate solubility in water combined with high miscibility in ethanol, ether, and benzene provides versatile formulation flexibility for complex mixtures.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular formula: C9H14O6 with a precise molecular weight of 218.21 g/mol, characterized by the esterification of all three hydroxyl groups.
Density is measured at 1.158 g/cm³ at 25°C, providing a reliable constant for volumetric calculations in chemical engineering and manufacturing.
Refractive index stands at 1.431, which is critical for quality control assessments and purity verification in laboratory environments and production lines.
Flash point is approximately 138°C (closed cup), indicating a safe operational margin for storage and transport under standard industrial safety protocols.
Vapor pressure remains exceptionally low at 0.00248 mmHg at 25°C, confirming its status as a low-volatility compound for environmental safety.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Used extensively as a plasticizer in the production of cigarette filters, specifically to bond cellulose acetate fibers and provide structural integrity.
Acts as a common food additive and flavoring carrier, functioning as a humectant to maintain moisture levels in baked goods and confectionery.
Employed in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient for capsule coatings and as a solvent for topical medications and antifungal agents.
Utilized as a fuel additive (antiknock agent) to improve the performance and reduce engine knocking in biodiesel and traditional petroleum-based fuels.
Serves as a chemical intermediate and solvent in the manufacturing of perfumes, cosmetics, and various specialty printing inks and dyes.