Tag: Triacetin

A triglyceride is formed from a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids through a process called esterification. The simplest triglyceride structure is triacetin, derived from glycerol and three molecules of acetic acid, which is the shortest and most fundamental fatty acid. This molecule showcases the basic construction of all larger, more complex fat molecules.

Triacetin, also known by its food additive number E1518, is a versatile chemical compound used extensively throughout the food industry. While it occurs naturally in some fruits and fats, it is most often included as a synthetic ingredient in a wide range of processed foods and beverages.