Triethyl Citrate, identified by its CAS number 77-93-0, is a chemical compound that plays a critical role across multiple industries due to its versatile properties. As a citrate ester, it is widely recognized as a safe, non-toxic plasticizer, flavor enhancer, solvent, and even a deodorizing agent. Understanding its characteristics and applications is key for researchers, formulators, and procurement specialists looking to leverage its benefits.

Chemically, Triethyl Citrate is a colorless, oily liquid with a faint odor. It is an ester formed from citric acid and ethanol. Its key properties include high purity (typically 99%), excellent solubility in various organic solvents like methanol and acetone, and limited solubility in water. It possesses a relatively high boiling point and flash point, contributing to its stability in many applications. Its molecular formula is C12H20O7, and it is often derived from bio-based raw materials, making it an attractive option for industries prioritizing sustainability.

The applications of Triethyl Citrate are remarkably diverse. In the coatings industry, it functions as a plasticizer, improving the flexibility and durability of films used in paints, lacquers, and varnishes. This prevents cracking and enhances adhesion. In the pharmaceutical sector, it is extensively used as an excipient in tablet coatings, particularly enteric coatings, to provide necessary flexibility and ensure controlled drug release. Its non-toxic profile makes it suitable for these sensitive applications.

The food and beverage industry utilizes Triethyl Citrate as a flavor enhancer and carrier, improving taste profiles in products like candies and baked goods. It also acts as an antioxidant, stabilizing edible oils and fats against rancidity, thereby extending shelf life. Moreover, it serves as a processing aid, enhancing the foaming capabilities of ingredients like egg whites.

In the cosmetics and personal care industry, Triethyl Citrate is valued as a perfume fixative, helping fragrances last longer, and as a film-former in hair sprays and nail polish. Its deodorizing properties also make it a common ingredient in deodorant formulations.

For businesses seeking to purchase Triethyl Citrate, sourcing it from reputable manufacturers and suppliers is crucial. Key considerations include product purity, consistency, compliance with industry standards (e.g., food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade), packaging options, and reliable delivery. Manufacturers in China, such as NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., are significant suppliers, offering high-quality Triethyl Citrate with competitive pricing and robust quality assurance systems. It is advisable to request samples and review technical documentation before making bulk purchases.

As industries continue to innovate and demand safer, more effective chemical components, Triethyl Citrate remains a compound of significant interest. Its combination of functional properties, safety profile, and bio-based origin positions it as a key ingredient for the future of chemical manufacturing and product development.