TEC – TRIETHYL CITRATE – technical solvent and low-volatility co-solvent for fragrance compositions

TEC – TRIETHYL CITRATE

TRIETHYL CITRATE, or TEC, is a low-volatility technical solvent and co-solvent with a very discreet odor of its own. In formula it is not chosen to add an olfactory note, but to manage the solubility, fluidity and evaporation rate of certain materials and of the composition as a whole.

How it works in formula

TEC can be used to prepare working solutions, concentrates, bases and non-aqueous systems. Compared with ethanol it evaporates much more slowly, so it can soften an opening that feels too abrupt and make evaporation more progressive.

It is particularly useful when a low-odor, low-volatility carrier is needed, or when working with certain crystalline, viscous or otherwise difficult-to-dose materials.

TEC or DPG?

DPG has a more typically glycol-like character and is often practical as a laboratory solvent for working solutions and functional perfumery. TEC is generally chosen when a low-odor, low-volatility carrier is desired for concentrates, roll-ons and non-aqueous systems.

TEC or BENZYL BENZOATE?

BENZYL BENZOATE offers useful solvent capacity for a number of heavy and resinous materials, but it is also a true component of the formula with its own olfactory and regulatory profile. TEC is perceived mainly as a more neutral technical support.

To consider

TEC is not a universal solubilizer and does not guarantee transparency in aqueous systems containing essential oils, absolutes, resins or bases. At high levels it can slow evaporation and reduce the brightness of a composition, so it should always be evaluated in the complete formula.

Physicochemical parameters, CAS, storage conditions and safety information are provided in the Technical Data section and SDS.

IFRA Category 4: nessuna restrizione (IFRA 51)

The value refers to the maximum concentration in the finished product, not to the percentage of the raw material in the fragrance concentrate.