[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, acetyl tributyl citrate

Properties of Tributyl Acetyl Citrate

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (Tributyl Citrate, ATBC for short) is a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid with a slight aromatic odor. Its molecular formula is C20H34O8 and its molecular weight is 402.48. ATBC has a boiling point of around 327°C, a flash point of 185°C, and a density of 1.05g/cm³(25°C). As an ester compound, acetyl tributyl citrate has good chemical stability, is not easy to hydrolyze, and has low volatility and good compatibility.

Use of acetyl tributyl citrate

ATBC is mainly used as a plasticizer and is widely used in the plasticization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and cellulose resins. Its good compatibility and low volatility make it widely used in medical devices, food packaging materials, children's toys and other fields with high safety requirements. In addition, ATBC is also used in the manufacture of cosmetics, coatings, printing inks and artificial leather products, as a softener and plasticizer.

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate Upstream and Downstream Raw Materials

Upstream raw materials

The main upstream raw materials for the production of acetyl tributyl citrate include citric acid, butanol and acetic anhydride. Citric acid is a common organic acid, which is usually produced by fermentation, and the fermentation raw material is mainly corn or other sugar-rich agricultural products. Butanol can be obtained by propylene synthesis in the petrochemical industry or by fermentation of biomass. Acetic anhydride is an important organic synthesis intermediate, usually prepared by the dehydration reaction of acetic acid.

Downstream Products

As a plasticizer, ATBC's downstream products are mainly concentrated in the field of plastic products. Especially in PVC plastic products, ATBC is widely used in the production of food packaging film, medical catheter, infusion bags, children's toys and so on. Due to its excellent safety and compatibility, ATBC occupies an important position in plastic products that require high hygiene standards and environmental protection requirements.

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate Production Process

The production process of ATBC mainly includes esterification reaction and refining process. The esterification of citric acid and butanol in the presence of acidic catalyst produces tributyl citrate (TBC). Subsequently, the TBC is reacted with acetic anhydride to form ATBC. This process requires strict control of reaction temperature, pressure and time to ensure high purity and high yield of the product. After the reaction, the product needs to be purified, usually by distillation and decolorization treatment to remove impurities, and finally to obtain high purity ATBC.

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate Storage Method

ATBC should be stored in a sealed container, avoid exposure to air to prevent moisture and impurities contamination. The best storage environment is a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from fire and heat sources. Due to its high flash point, ATBC has low flammability, but it should still avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals such as strong oxidants and strong acids. For long-term storage, it is recommended to check the tightness of the container regularly to prevent leakage and volatilization.

Market Prospects and Trends

With the improvement of environmental protection and health awareness, the market demand for environmentally friendly plasticizers is increasing. Traditional plasticizers such as phthalates are gradually eliminated due to their potential health risks, and ATBC has become an ideal substitute because of its high safety, non-toxic and harmless. Especially in high-end markets such as medical, food packaging and children's products, the demand for ATBC is expected to continue to grow. With the development of bio-based raw material technology, the production of ATBC through green chemical process will also become a trend in the future, further enhancing its market competitiveness and application prospects.

Environmental Protection and Sustainability

ATBC as a green plasticizer, its environmental performance has attracted much attention. Compared with traditional phthalate plasticizers, ATBC does not release harmful substances during use, and has no adverse effects on the environment and human health. ATBC can be decomposed by microorganisms in nature through the biodegradation pathway to reduce environmental pollution. In the context of the current global advocacy of green development, ATBC's sustainability and environmental protection make it an important position in the plasticizer market.

Technological Innovation and Future Development

In order to meet the market demand for high-performance and multifunctional plasticizers, relevant enterprises and scientific research institutions continue to carry out technological innovation, optimize the production process of ATBC, and improve its product performance. For example, by improving the catalyst and reaction conditions, the yield and purity of ATBC can be improved; by compounding with other plasticizers, a composite plasticizer with better performance can be developed. With the development of green chemistry, the use of biomass raw materials to produce ATBC has also become one of the research hotspots, aiming to reduce production costs and improve sustainability.

Conclusion

As an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly plasticizer, acetyl tributyl citrate has a wide range of applications. Its good chemical properties and excellent compatibility make it widely used in a variety of plastic products. As the market demand for environmentally friendly plasticizers grows, ATBC's position in the future plasticizer market will be further enhanced. Through continuous technological innovation and the development of green chemical processes, the production and application of ATBC will be more efficient and sustainable, injecting new impetus into the development of the chemical industry.