E1518, Triacetin, Glycerol Triacetate, Glycerol Triacetate, Fungacetin, Triacetoxypropane, 102-76-1

📌 Triacetin 

1. Identity

• Chemical Name: Glycerol triacetate

• Common Name: Triacetin

• CAS Number: 102-76-1

• EC Number: 203-051-9

• Molecular Formula: C9H14O6

• Molecular Weight: ~218.2 g/mol

• Food Additive Code: E1518

• Synonyms / Trade Names:

  • Glyceryl triacetate, Glycerin triacetate

  • 1,2,3-Triacetoxypropane, Triacetylglycerin, Triacetylglycerol

  • Acetin, tri-

  • Enazctin, Enzactin, Fungacetin, Glyped, Vanay

  • Kesscoflex TRA, Estol 1581, Ujostabil, Priacetin 1580/1581

  • Edenor GTA, Edenor GTA Kosher, DRA 150, DAR 150

  • Speziol GTA, Kollisolv GTA, Triacetin 1584

  • Captex 500, Alphacure 920

  • NSC 4796, GTA, 106C

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Colorless, neutral, slightly bitter liquid

• Odor: Odorless or faint vinegar-like taste in large amounts

• Density: 1.155–1.16 g/cm³ (20 °C)

• Melting Point: -30 °C to -78 °C (depending on source)

• Boiling Point: ~258–259 °C

• Solubility:

  • Poor solubility in water

  • Good solubility in alcohols, organic solvents, essential oils

• Viscosity: Low, fluid liquid

• Vapor Pressure: Low → limited volatility

• Stability: Thermally stable, biodegradable

3. Functional Characteristics

• Plasticizer → Improves flexibility in chewing gum, cellulose acetate, polymers

• Solvent → Carrier for flavors, fragrances, oleoresins

• Humectant → Maintains moisture in food and cosmetics

• Stabilizer → Protects volatile components in flavors and aromas

• Pharmaceutical Excipient → Used in capsules and tablets as carrier and binder

4. Applications

• Food Industry (E1518):

  • Flavor carrier, humectant, stabilizer

  • Used in chewing gum, confectionery, baked goods, beverages

• Cosmetics:

  • Moisturizer in creams and lotions

  • Solvent and fixative in perfumes

  • Plasticizer in nail polish

• Pharmaceuticals:

  • Solvent in soft capsules

  • Binder in tablets, sweetener in syrups

• Tobacco Industry:

  • Plasticizer and moisture binder in cigarette filters

• Industrial Uses:

  • Viscosity modifier in paints and coatings

  • Gelatinizing agent in explosives

  • Additive in adhesives and coatings

5. Advantages

• Versatile across multiple industries

• Safe and low toxicity profile

• Low volatility → long shelf life

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

• Enhances product quality (texture, stability, moisture retention)

6. Safety & Regulation

• Approved as food additive E1518 by EU and FDA

• REACH compliant

• Considered safe for human and animal consumption within regulated limits

• Halal certification possible if production process complies with Islamic dietary rules

• MSDS: Low toxicity, but may cause mild skin/eye irritation → PPE recommended

7. Sectoral Compatibility Table

🎯 Summary

Triacetin (CAS 102-76-1) is a multi-purpose chemical widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and tobacco industries as a mandatory additive, while serving as an optional performance enhancer in cosmetics and industrial applications. Its roles as a plasticizer, solvent, humectant, and stabilizer make it indispensable in chewing gum, capsules, cigarette filters, and perfumes. Recognized as safe (E1518), biodegradable, and versatile, Triacetin is a cornerstone ingredient across modern industries.