Triethyl Citrate TEC Solvent
CAS# 77-93-0

Triethyl Citrate-often abbreviated as TEC and also known by chemical names such as Ethyl Citrate and citric acid triethyl ester-is a versatile ingredient that can be produced from either natural or synthetic sources. In its “natural” form, it is made via esterification of citric acid (obtained by fermenting corn, cassava, or sugarcane) with food-grade ethanol, allowing it to meet the standards of products labeled 100% natural or certified organic cosmetics. Meanwhile, the synthetic version is produced through standard industrial chemical reactions. Historically, citric acid was first discovered in 1784 by the chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele from lemon juice, but large-scale TEC production truly took off in the 20th century, when fermentation technology using Aspergillus niger to produce low-cost citric acid was perfected. While it may not have a dramatic origin story, TEC became a key player in the green-chemistry shift as an ideal biodegradable solvent to replace harmful phthalate-based plasticizers and solvents-such as DEP-which have raised reproductive health concerns.

Description

In appearance, TEC is a colorless, lightly viscous, oily liquid. Classified as a solvent and functional ingredient, it is virtually odorless in practical use. If smelled very closely in its neat form, it may show only a faint nuance of fruity notes-sometimes described as white wine or fermented plum. Because its odor intensity is extremely low and it has little to no diffusion, it is not used as a primary fragrance material; instead, it functions effectively as a carrier, diluent, and odor-modulating aid. Thanks to its slow-evaporating, oily character, TEC can offer decent substantivity, helping retain other aroma molecules within a formula. TEC itself is an excellent solvent for dissolving resins, thick essential oils, or powdered synthetic musks without the harsh, pungent odor associated with many other chemicals. Technically, it is often paired with antioxidants such as BHT or tocopherol to protect perfume oils from oxidation.

Applications

TEC has broad applications across many industries. In perfumery, it is used as a replacement for DEP as a diluting solvent, with flexible use levels ranging from 1% to 50% depending on the goal. In personal deodorant products-especially aluminum-free roll-ons-TEC can act as a primary deodorant active at around 1% to 5%. In this role, it inhibits esterase enzymes released by bacteria, thereby preventing the breakdown of sweat into malodorous compounds. Beyond that, it is used as a safer plasticizer in nail polish and hair spray, and it can also serve as a flavoring component and as a foam stabilizer for egg whites in the food industry. From a safety standpoint, Triethyl Citrate is not restricted in concentration by IFRA, and it is recognized by the U.S. FDA as safe for use in foods; it is generally considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing. For storage, keep it in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place and avoid prolonged exposure to humid air, since extended high moisture conditions can cause slight hydrolysis that generates citric acid.

In the market, TEC appears in well-known products such as Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant and nail polish lines from OPI and Essie, and it is widely used as a base solvent by many natural perfume brands such as Hiram Green and Aftelier. Finally, in entry 2909 of Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, Steffen Arctander describes Triethyl Citrate as a colorless oily liquid that dissolves well in alcohol and oils but is only slightly soluble in water, and that has essentially no odor or only a very light, fruity wine-like nuance. He also notes its wide use in perfumery as a solvent (including for nitro musks), a general fixative, and a stabilizer for emulsions and creams.