Triacetin (glyceryl triacetate) is produced by the acetylation of glycerol with acetic acid or acetic anhydride. This yields a colorless, oily liquid with a mild, slightly fatty odor. It is slightly soluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents.
This makes it an effective carrier and solvent for lipophilic food ingredients. Triacetin functions as a humectant that helps maintain moisture in food products and as a plasticizer that improves the flexibility of edible films and coatings. It is also used as a processing aid in the manufacture of cigarette filters, pharmaceutical tablet coatings, and cosmetic formulations. The ingredient is generally recognized as safe for food use and meets food-grade specifications established by major regulatory authorities.
Triacetin-structure