Plasticizers
Triethyl Citrate (TEC)
CAS 77-93-0 — Pharmaceutical & Food-Grade Plasticizer
TEC is the primary plasticizer for pharmaceutical tablet coatings and controlled-release formulations, and is approved for food contact applications. Texas-Chem supplies pharmaceutical and food-grade TEC in bulk drums and totes.
CAS Number
77-93-0
Flash Point
Above 150 °C
Pharma Grade
EP/USP Compliant
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes
Structure
C₁₂H₂₀O₇ — Triethyl Citrate — CAS 77-93-0
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- Flash Point
- Above 150 °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 | 77-93-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₂H₂₀O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 276.3 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Boiling Point | 294 °C |
| Flash Point | Above 150 °C — Combustible |
| Density | 1.135 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | Less than 0.01 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Viscosity | ~35 cP at 20 °C |
| Water Solubility | 6.5 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| Food Contact | FDA 21 CFR / EU Reg 10/2011 approved |
| Pharma Grade | EP/USP compliant |
Industrial Applications
Pharmaceutical Tablet Coatings
TEC is the most widely used plasticizer in pharmaceutical tablet coatings and controlled-release formulations, providing flexibility to HPMC, ethylcellulose, and Eudragit film coatings.
Controlled-Release Formulations
Used as a plasticizer in ethylcellulose and Eudragit RS/RL controlled-release coatings for oral solid dosage forms.
Food Contact Applications
TEC is approved for food contact and is used as a plasticizer in food packaging films, food service products, and direct food contact applications.
Personal Care
Used as a plasticizer in nail polish, hair spray, and other personal care formulations where a low-molecular-weight, water-compatible plasticizer is needed.
Medical Device Coatings
Used as a biocompatible plasticizer in medical device coatings and drug delivery systems.
Biodegradable Polymers
Used as a plasticizer in PLA and other biodegradable polymer formulations for sustainable packaging applications.
Why Source TEC from Texas-Chem
- Pharmaceutical and food-grade TEC in stock — drums and totes
- Consistent quality with CoA on every lot
- Same-week delivery across Texas; nationwide LTL
- Technical support for pharmaceutical coating and food contact applications
- One rep from first call to final delivery
Triethyl Citrate — Frequently Asked Questions
Is TEC approved for pharmaceutical tablet coatings?▾
Yes. TEC is listed in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database for oral solid dosage forms and is compliant with the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) and USP. It is used as a plasticizer in HPMC, ethylcellulose, and Eudragit film coatings for immediate-release and controlled-release tablet formulations.
What is the typical use level of TEC in pharmaceutical coatings?▾
TEC is typically used at 10–30% by weight relative to the polymer in pharmaceutical film coatings. For ethylcellulose coatings (Surelease, Aquacoat ECD), 20–30% TEC relative to polymer is typical. For HPMC immediate-release coatings, 10–20% TEC is typical. Contact Texas-Chem for pharmaceutical-grade TEC with EP/USP compliance documentation.
What is the difference between TEC and TBC for pharmaceutical applications?▾
TEC (triethyl citrate, MW 276 g/mol) has lower molecular weight and higher water solubility than TBC (tributyl citrate, MW 360 g/mol), making it more compatible with aqueous coating systems and providing better plasticization of hydrophilic polymers (HPMC, HPC). TBC is preferred for hydrophobic polymer coatings (ethylcellulose) and flexible PVC applications. TEC is the standard plasticizer for pharmaceutical tablet coatings.
Is TEC approved for food contact applications?▾
Yes. TEC is approved for food contact applications under FDA 21 CFR 175.300 and EU Regulation 10/2011. It is used in food packaging films, food service products, and direct food contact applications. Contact Texas-Chem for food-grade TEC with FDA/EU compliance documentation.