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Acetyltributyl citrate

Catalog Number
ACM77907-5
CAS
77-90-7
Structure
Synonyms
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-(acetyloxy)-, 1,2,3-tributyl ester;Citric acid, tributyl ester, acetate;1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-(acetyloxy)-, tributyl ester;Tributyl O-acetylcitrate;Acetyl tributyl citrate
Molecular Weight
402.48
Molecular Formula
C20H34O8
Active Content
95%
Physical State
Liquid
Typical Applications
Use as plasticizer.
Use as dispersingagent, emulsion stabilizer.
Use as lubricant.
Spec Sheet
Case Study

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate as a Biocompatible Plasticizer for Long-Term Stable Tissue Conditioners

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate as a Biocompatible Plasticizer for Long-Term Stable Tissue Conditioners Yang, Tsung-Chieh, et al. Dental Materials 31.6 (2015): 695-701.

Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a non-phthalate plasticizer, has gained increasing attention as a safer and more biocompatible alternative to traditional plasticizers in biomedical applications. Recent studies have demonstrated its potential in the development of innovative tissue conditioners with long-term viscoelastic stability, essential for clinical performance in dental prosthetics.
In this investigation, ATBC was evaluated alone and in combination with a novel hyperbranched polyester (TAH) to enhance the dynamic viscoelastic properties of tissue conditioners. Comparative systems included other plasticizers such as tributyl citrate (TBC), butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate (BPBG), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and benzyl benzoate (BB), alongside commercial controls (Shofu and GC Soft-Liner). Key rheological parameters-shear storage modulus (G'), shear loss modulus (G″), loss tangent (tan δ), and complex modulus (G*)-were measured at 37 °C over immersion periods ranging from 1 to 28 days.
The results revealed that ATBC combined with TAH provided the most stable viscoelastic profile, outperforming conventional phthalate-based formulations. TAH enhanced water absorption while lowering ATBC solubility, ultimately improving dimensional stability. Additionally, the ATBC + TAH system demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, comparable to that of clinically approved tissue conditioners.
This study highlights ATBC as a promising plasticizer for biomedical polymer systems, particularly in dental materials requiring long-term resilience and safety. Its combination with hyperbranched polyesters offers a sustainable pathway to replace phthalates in tissue engineering and medical device applications.

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate as a Green Additive for the Large-Scale Synthesis of VOC-Free Waterborne Polyurethane

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate as a Green Additive for the Large-Scale Synthesis of VOC-Free Waterborne Polyurethane Li, Xin-Gui, et al. Journal of Cleaner Production 237 (2019): 117543.

Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) has emerged as a versatile, non-toxic, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional solvents and plasticizers in polymer chemistry. A recent large-scale study demonstrated its effectiveness in the preparation of N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP)-free waterborne polyurethane (WPU), synthesized at a two-ton scale without the need for catalysts. ATBC's high boiling point and extremely low vapor pressure make it ideally suited for reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in polymer dispersions, addressing longstanding environmental and safety concerns.
During WPU synthesis, ATBC exhibited multifunctional roles. It acted as a dispersant medium for hydrophilic chain extenders, an emulsifier, and a viscosity thinner, facilitating efficient prepolymerization and phase inversion under shear conditions. Additionally, in the final WPU films, ATBC contributed as a plasticizer, water-resisting, and heat-resisting additive, significantly enhancing film performance. Characterization confirmed higher molecular weights, improved thermal stability, lower VOC content, and stronger water resistance compared to conventional NMP-based formulations.
Importantly, the use of ATBC also resolved the issue of residual -NCO groups, commonly present due to slight excess isocyanates, as evidenced by the disappearance of the characteristic carbon signal at 122.7 ppm and IR absorbance at 2252 cm-1. This not only improved the chemical safety profile but also enhanced the durability of the polymer.
This study highlights acetyl tributyl citrate as a key enabler for the sustainable, industrial-scale production of advanced VOC-free and NCO-free WPUs, paving the way for greener materials in coatings and adhesives.

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate as a Green Additive for Solvent- and Catalyst-Free Waterborne Polyurethane Synthesis

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate as a Green Additive for Solvent- and Catalyst-Free Waterborne Polyurethane Synthesis Li, Xin-Gui, et al. Journal of Cleaner Production 279 (2021): 123496.

Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) has gained increasing attention as a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to hazardous solvents and plasticizers in polymer synthesis. Recent work highlights its pivotal role in the scalable preparation of solvent-free and catalyst-free waterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersions, enabling cleaner production routes with superior material performance.
In this system, ATBC serves multiple functions. It efficiently disperses dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) crystals, facilitating homogeneous hydrophilic chain extension, while simultaneously acting as a viscosity reducer during prepolymerization. This ensures smooth reaction kinetics and stable dispersion formation without the need for toxic additives such as N-methylpyrrolidone or conventional catalysts. Importantly, structural characterization by IR, NMR, and gas chromatography confirmed that ATBC remains incorporated in the final polymer matrix due to its high boiling point and ultralow volatility, minimizing environmental release even at elevated temperatures.
The presence of ATBC in the WPU films further enhances mechanical and processing properties. Acting as an internal plasticizer and lubricant, it enables controlled adhesion behavior: the films adhere strongly to aluminum nanofilms yet peel readily from PET substrates without release agents. The optimized formulation achieved a tensile strength of 15.8 MPa, elongation at break of 237%, and tunable peel strengths as low as 1.3 N m-1. These properties, combined with high thermal stability and ultralow VOC emissions, make ATBC-containing WPU highly suitable for advanced applications such as transferable holographic and photolithographic films.
This case study underscores ATBC's multifunctional role as both a green processing aid and a performance enhancer, providing a sustainable pathway for large-scale, high-performance WPU production.

Custom Q&A

What is the CAS number of Acetyltributyl citrate?

The CAS number of Acetyltributyl citrate is 77-90-7.

What are some synonyms for Acetyltributyl citrate?

Some synonyms for Acetyltributyl citrate include 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-(acetyloxy)-, 1,2,3-tributyl ester; Citric acid, tributyl ester, acetate; 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-(acetyloxy)-, tributyl ester; Tributyl O-acetylcitrate; Acetyl tributyl citrate.

What is the molecular weight of Acetyltributyl citrate?

The molecular weight of Acetyltributyl citrate is 402.48.

What is the molecular formula of Acetyltributyl citrate?

The molecular formula of Acetyltributyl citrate is C20H34O8.

What is the percentage of Actives in Acetyltributyl citrate?

The percentage of Actives in Acetyltributyl citrate is 95%.

What is the physical state of Acetyltributyl citrate?

The physical state of Acetyltributyl citrate is liquid.

What are some typical applications of Acetyltributyl citrate?

Some typical applications of Acetyltributyl citrate include use as a plasticizer, dispersing agent, emulsion stabilizer, and lubricant.

How is Acetyltributyl citrate used as a plasticizer?

Acetyltributyl citrate is used as a plasticizer to increase the flexibility and durability of plastics.

How is Acetyltributyl citrate used as a dispersing agent?

Acetyltributyl citrate is used as a dispersing agent to help evenly distribute particles in a solution.

How is Acetyltributyl citrate used as an emulsion stabilizer?

Acetyltributyl citrate is used as an emulsion stabilizer to prevent separate liquids from mixing by stabilizing the emulsion.

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