Triacetin: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|A chemical compound used as a plasticizer and solvent}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Triacetin}}
{{Chembox
| verifiedrevid = 477239870
| ImageFile = Triacetin.svg
| ImageSize = 150px
| ImageAlt = Structural formula of triacetin
| IUPACName = Propane-1,2,3-triyl triacetate
| OtherNames = Glycerol triacetate
}}


'''Triacetin''', also known as '''glycerol triacetate''', is a [[chemical compound]] with the formula C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>14</sub>O<sub>6</sub>. It is the [[triester]] of [[glycerol]] and [[acetic acid]].
== Triacetin ==
[[File:Triacetin.svg|thumb|right|200px|Structural formula of Triacetin]]


==Properties==
'''Triacetin''', also known as '''glycerol triacetate''', is a [[chemical compound]] that belongs to the [[class of compounds]] known as [[triesters]]. It is formed by the [[esterification]] of [[glycerol]] with three [[acetic acid]] molecules. Triacetin is a [[colorless]], [[viscous liquid]] with a [[mild odor]] and is used in various [[industrial applications]].
Triacetin is a [[colorless]], [[viscous]] liquid with a slight [[odor]] of [[acetic acid]]. It is [[soluble]] in [[water]], [[ethanol]], [[acetone]], and [[chloroform]]. The compound has a [[boiling point]] of 258 °C and a [[melting point]] of -78 °C.


==Production==
== Chemical Properties ==
Triacetin is produced by the [[esterification]] of [[glycerol]] with [[acetic acid]] or [[acetic anhydride]]. This reaction is typically catalyzed by [[sulfuric acid]] or other [[acid catalysts]].
Triacetin has the [[chemical formula]] C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>14</sub>O<sub>6</sub> and a [[molecular weight]] of 218.21 g/mol. It is [[soluble]] in [[water]], [[alcohol]], and [[ether]]. The compound has a [[boiling point]] of approximately 258 °C and a [[melting point]] of -78 °C.


==Uses==
== Uses ==
Triacetin is used in a variety of applications:
Triacetin is used in a variety of applications due to its [[plasticizing]], [[solvent]], and [[fixative]] properties. Some of the primary uses include:


* As a [[plasticizer]] in the production of [[plastics]] and [[cellulose acetate]] films.
* As a [[plasticizer]] in the production of [[plastics]] and [[resins]].
* As a [[solvent]] in the [[pharmaceutical]] industry for [[drugs]] and [[cosmetics]].
* As a [[solvent]] for [[cellulose acetate]] in the manufacture of [[cigarette filters]].
* As a [[food additive]] (E1518) to improve the texture and shelf life of [[baked goods]] and [[confectionery]].
* As a [[fixative]] in [[perfumery]] to stabilize [[fragrances]].
* In the [[tobacco]] industry as a [[humectant]] and [[flavoring agent]].
* In the [[food industry]] as a [[food additive]] (E1518) to improve the [[texture]] and [[stability]] of [[baked goods]] and [[confectionery]].


==Safety==
== Biological Role ==
Triacetin is generally regarded as safe when used in accordance with [[good manufacturing practice]]. However, exposure to high concentrations may cause [[irritation]] to the [[skin]], [[eyes]], and [[respiratory tract]].
Triacetin is metabolized in the [[human body]] to [[glycerol]] and [[acetic acid]], both of which are naturally occurring substances. It is considered [[non-toxic]] and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in [[food products]].


==Related pages==
== Safety and Handling ==
While triacetin is considered safe for use in [[food]] and [[cosmetic]] products, it should be handled with care in its [[pure form]]. Appropriate [[safety measures]] should be taken to avoid [[inhalation]] or [[skin contact]], and it should be stored in a [[cool]], [[dry place]] away from [[incompatible substances]].
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Glycerol]]
* [[Glycerol]]
* [[Acetic acid]]
* [[Acetic acid]]
* [[Esterification]]
* [[Plasticizer]]
* [[Plasticizer]]
 
* [[Solvent]]
==References==
* {{cite journal |last1=Smith |first1=John |title=The Chemistry of Triacetin |journal=Journal of Chemical Education |volume=45 |issue=3 |pages=123–126 |year=2010 |doi=10.1021/ed045p123}}
* {{cite book |last=Brown |first=David |title=Industrial Solvents Handbook |publisher=Elsevier |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-444-51750-0}}


[[Category:Esters]]
[[Category:Esters]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Plasticizers]]
[[Category:Plasticizers]]

Latest revision as of 03:42, 13 February 2025


Triacetin[edit]

Structural formula of Triacetin

Triacetin, also known as glycerol triacetate, is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of compounds known as triesters. It is formed by the esterification of glycerol with three acetic acid molecules. Triacetin is a colorless, viscous liquid with a mild odor and is used in various industrial applications.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Triacetin has the chemical formula C9H14O6 and a molecular weight of 218.21 g/mol. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. The compound has a boiling point of approximately 258 °C and a melting point of -78 °C.

Uses[edit]

Triacetin is used in a variety of applications due to its plasticizing, solvent, and fixative properties. Some of the primary uses include:

Biological Role[edit]

Triacetin is metabolized in the human body to glycerol and acetic acid, both of which are naturally occurring substances. It is considered non-toxic and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food products.

Safety and Handling[edit]

While triacetin is considered safe for use in food and cosmetic products, it should be handled with care in its pure form. Appropriate safety measures should be taken to avoid inhalation or skin contact, and it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances.

Related Pages[edit]