CAS 102-76-1 · Ester Plasticizer / Solvent
Triacetin
Glycerol Triacetate · C₉H₁₄O₆ · MW 218.20 g/mol
Triacetin is the triester of glycerol and acetic acid — a clear, oily liquid with low volatility and excellent compatibility across plastics, food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. It is the industry-standard plasticizer for cellulose acetate filter tow and a GRAS-approved food additive. Texas-Chem supplies triacetin in industrial, FCC, and USP grades in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₉H₁₄O₆
Boiling Point
258–260 °C
Solubility
Partially water-miscible
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Glycerol backbone with three acetyl ester (–OC(=O)CH₃) groups at each hydroxyl position
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- Not established
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- Not established
- DOT Hazard Class
- Not regulated (non-hazardous)
- UN Number
- Not applicable
- Packing Group
- Not applicable
- GRAS Status
- FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1901)
SDS available upon request.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₉H₁₄O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 218.20 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 102-76-1 |
| Boiling Point | 258–260 °C (496–500 °F) |
| Melting Point | −78 °C (−108 °F) |
| Flash Point | 138 °C (280 °F) — Combustible |
| Density | 1.158 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | <0.01 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | ~70 g/L at 25 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.4301 at 20 °C |
| Viscosity | ~17.4 mPa·s at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 433 °C (811 °F) |
Industrial Applications
Plasticizers
Primary plasticizer for cellulose acetate films, cigarette filter tow, and specialty coatings. Imparts flexibility and workability without migrating from the polymer matrix.
Food & Flavor
FCC-grade triacetin is a GRAS food additive (E1518) used as a humectant, solvent for flavors, and carrier in baked goods, chewing gum, and confectionery.
Pharmaceutical
USP-grade triacetin serves as a plasticizer in tablet film coatings, a solvent for active pharmaceutical ingredients, and an excipient in topical formulations.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Used as a fixative and solvent in fragrances, nail polish formulations, and skin-care products. Provides excellent compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients.
Tobacco / Filter Tow
The dominant plasticizer for cellulose acetate cigarette filter tow — bonds fibers together and controls filtration efficiency in the finished filter rod.
Coatings & Inks
High-boiling ester solvent and plasticizer for nitrocellulose lacquers, printing inks, and specialty coatings where low volatility and good film flexibility are required.
Why Source Triacetin from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying industrial solvents and plasticizers to Texas manufacturers
- Industrial, FCC food-grade, USP pharmaceutical, and cosmetic grades available
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities