Triethyl citrate is an
ester
In chemistry, an ester is a compound derived from an oxoacid (organic or inorganic) in which at least one hydroxyl group () is replaced by an alkoxy group (), as in the substitution reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Glycerides a ...
of
citric acid
Citric acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula HOC(CO2H)(CH2CO2H)2. It is a colorless weak organic acid. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in ...
. It is a colorless, odorless liquid used as a
food additive (
E number E1505) to stabilize foams, especially as whipping aid for
egg white. It is also used in pharmaceutical coatings and plastics.
Triethyl citrate is also used as a
plasticizer
A plasticizer ( UK: plasticiser) is a substance that is added to a material to make it softer and more flexible, to increase its plasticity, to decrease its viscosity, and/or to decrease friction during its handling in manufacture.
Plasticiz ...
for
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and similar plastics.
Triethyl citrate has been used as a pseudo-
emulsifier in
e-cigarette
An electronic cigarette is an electronic device that simulates tobacco smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor. As such ...
juices.
It functions essentially like
lecithin used in food products, but with the possibility of vaporization which lecithin does not have.
References
Ethyl esters
Citrate esters
Excipients
E-number additives
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