triacetin Chem.
(traɪˈæsɪtɪn)
[f. tri- 5 a + acetic + -in1 (the termination of the compound ethers of glycerin: see acetin).]
Glyceryl triacetate, C3H5(OC2H3O)3, the compound ether or ester of glycerin or glycerol, C3H5(OH)3, and acetic acid, C2H4O2, the three H atoms of the OH groups in glycerol being replaced by three acetyl groups, C2H3O; also called acetic triglyceride; a colourless liquid boiling at 258–259°C.; it is found in the oil of the seeds of the spindle-tree.
| 1858 Fownes Elem. Chem. (ed. 7) 504 Berthelot has pointed out three classes of compounds which glycerin is capable of forming... With acetic acid, for instance, it forms three combinations..monacetin, diacetin, and triacetin. |