Acetyltriethyl citrate

• USP–NFAcetyltriethyl Citrate

ATEC; Citroflex A-2; triethyl acetylcitrate; triethyl O-acetylcitrate

Triethyl 2-acetyloxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate · [77-89-4]

UNII 5WBR36T90E · PubChem CID 6504

C14H22O8 · 318.32

Plasticiser

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Solid

Used as a plasticiser for polymers in pharmaceutical film coatings for tablets, beads and granules, with acrylic polymers and cellulose derivatives, and in other polymer films. Typical levels are about 10–30% w/w of the dry polymer.

A clear, colourless, practically odourless, oily liquid.

Density

≈ 1.14 g/cm³ at 25 °C

Refractive index

≈ 1.43–1.44 (25 °C)

Volatility

low; high-boiling liquid

Solubility

slightly soluble in water (more than acetyltributyl citrate); miscible with acetone, ethanol and vegetable oils

Stable. Store in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.

Incompatible with strong alkalis and strong oxidising agents.

Prepared by esterifying citric acid with ethanol and then acetylating the free hydroxyl group with acetic anhydride, followed by purification.

Regarded as having low toxicity and as non-irritant at the levels used in oral film coatings. Like other citrate esters it is hydrolysed in the body to citric acid and the corresponding alcohol.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled. Gloves and eye protection are recommended.

Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database (oral preparations).

Acetyltributyl citrate; tributyl citrate; triethyl citrate.

Its water solubility and polarity lie between those of triethyl citrate and acetyltributyl citrate, so the choice among the three citrate plasticisers is a balance between ease of incorporation into aqueous dispersions and resistance to leaching from the film.