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Tributyrin, known in the lab as glyceryl tributyrate, stands as an ester formed from butyric acid and glycerol. Most people spot it by its clear or slightly yellow liquid appearance, but it sometimes shows up in solid, crystalline, or even powder forms, depending on temperature and processing method. Chemists and food industry veterans recognize it by its molecular formula, C15H26O6, and its molecular weight, which clocks in at 302.36 g/mol. Unlike some raw materials that hide behind jargon, tributyrin works out to be a straightforward molecule: three butyric acid chains linked to a single backbone of glycerol. The material glides between discussions of density; at room temperature, its density averages 1.032 g/cm³. For safety compliance and logistics, shippers look it up by its HS Code: 2915.90.7090.
Walk into a chemical storeroom and tributyrin greets you as a clear, oily liquid under normal conditions, though chill it below its melting point of -75°C and you notice solidification begin. The boiling point rises past 305°C, letting the compound stand up to most heat-driven industrial processes. Sometimes, tributyrin is processed into flakes, solid beads, powder, pearls, or crystal-like forms for better storage, shipping, or blending into food and pharmaceutical products. It dissolves in ethanol, diethyl ether, and other organic solvents, but expects trouble mixing with water, reflecting the stubborn nature of fats and oils. Its specific gravity and low volatility mean it lingers where placed, an advantage in slow-release formulations or as a controlled flavor additive.
In the lab, tributyrin stays stable under standard storage, but reacts predictably with strong acids or bases, splitting down into its butyric roots and glycerol. Its structural design, bound by three ester linkages, earns attention in both analytical chemistry and food science circles. The tight formation limits unwanted breakdown at neutral pH, but intense heat or alkaline cleaning agents push it to hydrolyze quickly. Purity grades often stretch beyond 98%, as low-quality tributyrin undermines flavor or pharmaceutical performance. Certificates list contaminants, batch numbers, CAS Registry Number (60-01-5), and density, crucial details for any regulated business.
Tributyrin turns up across several industries because of how predictably it behaves and how mild its by-products seem compared to harsher industrial chemicals. In nutrition research, its breakdown product, butyrate, supports digestive health and feeds gut bacteria. In baking, ice cream making, and flavoring, manufacturers dose it with care, chasing the smooth texture and faint, buttery note it imparts. Medical researchers test tributyrin as a prodrug for butyrate, investigating its anti-inflammatory properties and potential in colon health. As a raw material, it acts as a carrier, sometimes blending with other neutral oils or active ingredients to get the right release profile in food or drug delivery systems. This reliability keeps it popular among formulators who want precise, consistent results each batch.
Anyone who has worked with tributyrin knows its reputation for relatively low toxicity, though the label “chemically safe” still demands respect and solid hygiene practices. Short-term exposure rarely causes issues, but spilling it on skin or nearby eyes leads to irritation. Inhaling mist or vapor remains unlikely under regular use, but chemical fume hoods and gloves stand as best practice for routine industrial or lab work. Its combustion gives off acrid fumes, so storage far from open flame matters just as much as good ventilation. Suppliers must list it under standard hazardous material classifications, following international shipping rules, especially if it ships in large tanks or drums. Every commercial operation should keep up-to-date with the latest Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to handle spills, fire hazards, and accidental exposure without cutting corners.
Manufacturing and shipping tributyrin at scale brings some bumps in the road. Purity often drifts when cheaper feedstock or outdated batch processes creep into the supply chain, so direct sourcing from established, transparent manufacturers makes sense. To avoid clumping or erratic performance in formulated products, strict temperature and storage rules need real enforcement, not empty protocol. End-users who lack chemical handling training face higher risks; company leaders have to put money into hands-on safety sessions and regular hazard reviews. While tributyrin’s application in food and supplements remains strong, regulatory standards for quality, labeling, and purity keep tightening, bringing more paperwork and tighter vendor audits. Addressing these hurdles means open communication, traceability, and real commitment to ongoing product quality and safety standards. Only investment in reliable raw materials and up-to-date oversight will keep the benefits of tributyrin moving through industrial kitchens, treatment centers, and research labs worldwide.
