Esters Available — Bulk Only

Triethyl Citrate (TEC)

TEC
CAS 77-93-0 · Formula C12H20O7 · MW 276.28 g/mol

A citrate-ester plasticizer for cellulosic films and soft PVC that doubles as a flavor-and-fragrance carrier. It plasticizes cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, cellulose ethers, and soft PVC, and is used in coatings as a coalescing agent.

Request SDS
HS Code
2918.15
At a Glance
Material Family
Esters
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Plasticizing · Solvency
Functional Roles
Plasticizing Solvency Preservation
INCI Name
TRIETHYL CITRATE
CosIng Functions
FRAGRANCEPERFUMINGPLASTICISER
Industries Served
Beauty & Personal Care Coatings & Construction Food & Beverage HI&I Cleaning Water Treatment
Applications & Use Cases
  • ▸ Cellulosic plasticizer: Plasticizer for cellulose acetate, nitrate, and ether films.
  • ▸ PVC plasticizer: Plasticizer for soft PVC.
  • ▸ Coatings: Coalescing agent and solvent in coatings.
  • ▸ Flavor and fragrance: Carrier solvent for flavor and fragrance compounds.
Physical Properties
Physical Description
practically colourless, oily liquid; bitter taste; little odour
Appearance
Colorless, mobile liquid
Odor
Fruity odor
Taste
Bitter taste
Boiling Point
127.00 °C. @ 1.00 mm Hg
Melting Point
< 25 °C
Flash Point
155 °C (155 °C)
Solubility
Slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride; soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.1
Vapor Pressure
6.87X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C (extrapolated)
Viscosity
35.2 cP at 25 °C
Refractive Index
Index of refraction = 1.4455 at 20 °C/D
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

Request SDS →
HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2918 . 15
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.18
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2918.15
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
77-93-0
Molecular Formula
C12H20O7
Molecular Weight
276.28 g/mol
IUPAC Name
triethyl 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
INCI Name
TRIETHYL CITRATE
PubChem CID
6506
InChI Key
DOOTYTYQINUNNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
TRIETHYL CITRATE Ethyl citrate Citroflex 2 Eudraflex Hydragen CAT Citric acid, triethyl ester 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, triethyl ester Triaethylcitrat FEMA No. 3083 Citroflex ec Citrofol ai Morflex tec Citric acid ethyl ester Citroflex c 2 Triethylester kyseliny citronove Citroflex sc 60 Morflex c 2 Triethyl 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate INS NO.1505 1,2,3-triethyl 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
Full Description

Triethyl citrate (CAS 77-93-0) is the triethyl ester of citric acid, used mainly as a plasticizer. It plasticizes cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, cellulose ethers, and soft PVC, and is used in coatings as a coalescing agent. It also serves as a solvent and carrier in flavor and fragrance applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is triethyl citrate used for?

Triethyl citrate (TEC, CAS 77-93-0, C12H20O7) is the triethyl ester of citric acid, used mainly as a plasticizer. It plasticizes cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, cellulose ethers, and soft PVC, acts as a coalescing agent and solvent in coatings, and serves as a carrier solvent in flavor and fragrance applications.

Is triethyl citrate an ester?

Yes. Triethyl citrate is the triethyl ester of citric acid, formed by esterifying the three carboxyl groups of citric acid with ethanol. This ester structure is the basis of its plasticizing and solvent behavior.

What is triethyl citrate made from?

It is produced by esterifying citric acid with ethanol, yielding the triethyl ester (C12H20O7). Citric acid supplies the backbone and the three ethyl groups come from ethanol.

What is the HS code and CAS for triethyl citrate?

Triethyl citrate has CAS 77-93-0 and molecular formula C12H20O7, classified under HS code 2918.15 (salts and esters of citric acid).

How do I buy bulk triethyl citrate?

RawSource supplies triethyl citrate (CAS 77-93-0) in industrial bulk for plasticizer, coatings, and flavor/fragrance applications. Request a bulk quote for pricing by volume and packaging; the SDS and CoA accompany each order.

Related Products
Myristyl Myristate
CAS 3234-85-3 · C28H56O2
Esters
Kojic Acid Dipalmitate (KAD)
CAS 79725-98-7 · C38H66O6
Esters
HALS-123 Light Stabilizer (NOR-HALS N-Alkoxy Hindered Amine)
CAS 129757-67-1
Esters
Coconut Oil (76 Degree, CNO)
CAS 8001-31-8
Esters
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.

Ready to Source Triethyl Citrate (TEC)?

Our procurement team handles specification confirmation, lead time, and logistics.

Request a Quote