1564. Butyl Citrate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 77-94-1
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid tributyl ester; citric acid tributyl ester; n-butyl citrate; tributyl citrate.
C18H32O7; mol wt 360.44.
C 59.98%, H 8.95%, O 31.07%.

Description and references

Prepn: Fodor, Arch. Biochem. 28, 274 (1950). Synthesis from n-butyl alcohol and citric acid: Benedict, Chemistry 47, 27 (1974).

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless or pale yellow, odorless liquid. d2020 1.045. bp22 about 233°. mp -20°. nD20 1.4460 (Benedict). Insol in water. Miscible with most organic liquids.

Use

Plasticizer and solvent for nitrocellulose lacquers; in polishes, inks and similar prepns; also as anti-foam agent.