Триетилцитрат

Triethyl citrate (TEC, CAS 77-93-0, C₁₂H₂₀O₇) is an ester of citric acid. It is a colorless, odorless liquid that is slightly soluble in water and miscible in ethanol and ether. Its taste is bitter. It is stable under recommended storage conditions.

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Uses

In foods, triethyl citrate is used as a flavouring agent, solvent and surface-active agent. It is a food additive (E number E1505) used to stabilize foams, especially as whipping aid for egg white. It is also used in pharmaceutical coatings and plastics, and as a plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and similar plastics. In cosmetics it acts as a plasticiser in nail lacquers and hair care products and helps dispersing pigments in colour cosmetics. In cream formulations it can act as an emollient that improves skin feel and dissolves UV filters. In deodorants it inhibits the enzymatic decomposition of sweat components and therefore prevents body odour. It has also been used as a pseudo-emulsifier in e-cigarette liquids, where it works essentially like lecithin but can be vaporised.

Names and structure

Triethyl citrate belongs to the family of tricarboxylic acids and derivatives.

Metabolism

Triethyl citrate is hydrolyzed in vivo to citric acid and ethanol.