Plasticizers
Tributyl Citrate (TBC)
CAS 77-94-1 — Biocompatible Citrate Ester Plasticizer
TBC is a biocompatible, food-contact approved citrate ester plasticizer for PVC food packaging, medical devices, pharmaceutical coatings, and personal care products. Texas-Chem supplies industrial and food-grade TBC in bulk drums and totes.
CAS Number
77-94-1
Flash Point
Above 170 °C
Food Contact
FDA/EU Approved
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes
Structure
C₁₈H₃₂O₇ — Tributyl Citrate — CAS 77-94-1
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- Flash Point
- Above 170 °C — Combustible
- OSHA PEL
- Not established
- DOT Hazard Class
- Not regulated
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Also Known As
Physical & Chemical Properties
| CAS Number | 77-94-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₂O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 360.4 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Boiling Point | 234 °C at 10 mmHg |
| Flash Point | Above 170 °C — Combustible |
| Density | 1.042 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | Less than 0.01 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Viscosity | ~35 cP at 20 °C |
| Water Solubility | 0.06 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| Food Contact | FDA 21 CFR / EU Reg 10/2011 approved |
| Biocompatibility | ISO 10993 compliant |
Industrial Applications
Food Contact PVC
TBC is approved for food contact applications and is used as a plasticizer in PVC food packaging films, food service gloves, and food processing equipment components.
Medical Devices
Used as a non-phthalate plasticizer in PVC medical tubing, blood bags, and medical device components where biocompatibility is required.
Pharmaceutical Coatings
TBC is used as a plasticizer in pharmaceutical tablet coatings and controlled-release formulations, providing flexibility to enteric and film coatings.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Used as a plasticizer in nail polish, hair spray, and other personal care formulations where a biocompatible, low-odor plasticizer is needed.
Cellulose Acetate Films
TBC is used as a plasticizer in cellulose acetate films and coatings for food packaging and industrial applications.
Biodegradable Polymers
Used as a plasticizer in biodegradable polymer formulations (PLA, PBAT) for sustainable packaging applications.
Why Source TBC from Texas-Chem
- Industrial and food-grade TBC in stock — drums and totes
- Consistent quality with CoA on every lot
- Same-week delivery across Texas; nationwide LTL
- Technical support for food contact, medical, and pharmaceutical applications
- One rep from first call to final delivery
Tributyl Citrate — Frequently Asked Questions
Is TBC approved for food contact applications?▾
Yes. TBC is approved for food contact applications under FDA 21 CFR 175.300 (resinous and polymeric coatings), 21 CFR 176.170 (components of paper and paperboard), and EU Regulation 10/2011 (plastic materials in contact with food). It is used in PVC food packaging films, food service gloves, and food processing equipment.
What is the difference between TBC and TEC as plasticizers?▾
TBC (tributyl citrate, MW 360 g/mol) has higher molecular weight and lower volatility than TEC (triethyl citrate, MW 276 g/mol). TBC provides better permanence in PVC and is preferred for flexible PVC food packaging and medical devices. TEC has lower molecular weight and is preferred for pharmaceutical tablet coatings where a more mobile plasticizer is needed.
Is TBC biocompatible for medical device applications?▾
Yes. TBC meets ISO 10993 biocompatibility requirements and is used in PVC medical tubing, blood bags, and medical device components. It is a preferred non-phthalate plasticizer for medical PVC applications. Contact Texas-Chem for medical-grade TBC availability and compliance documentation.
Can TBC be used in pharmaceutical tablet coatings?▾
Yes. TBC is used as a plasticizer in pharmaceutical tablet coatings including HPMC, ethylcellulose, and Eudragit film coatings. It is listed in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database and the European Pharmacopoeia. TEC is more commonly used in pharmaceutical coatings due to its lower molecular weight and better compatibility with aqueous coating systems.