Tricaprylin

Category

Emollient; Lubricant; Penetration enhancer; Solubilizing Agents; Solvent

Molecular Formula

C27H50O6

Molecular Weight

470.7

Grade

Pharmceutical Excipients

Description

Tricaprylin occurs as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid. It forms crystals from acetone/ethanol (95%). Tricaprylin is odorless.

UNII

6P92858988

Chemical Name

1, 3-Di(octanoyloxy)propan-2-yl octanoate

CAS Number

538-23-8

Synonyms

Caprylic acid, 1, 2, 3-propanetriyl ester; caprylic acid triglyceride; Captex 8000; glycerin tricaprylate; glycerol tricaprylate; glycerol trioctanoate; glyceryl tricaprylate; glyceryl trioctanoate; Hest TC; MCT; Miglyol 808; n-octanoic acid glycerol triester; octanoic acid, 1, 2, 3-propanetriyl ester; Panasate 800; Rofetan GTC; tricaprilin; tricapryloglycerol; tricaprylylglycerin; trioctanoin; trioctonolglycerol

Administration route

Epidural injections

Dosage Form

Epidural injections

Stability and Storage Conditions

Tricaprylin is classified as a stable compound. It has high stability against oxidation and is not heat sensitive. Even in hot climates cooling is not necessary. However, exposure to high temperatures near the flash point (246℃) should be avoided. Owing to its very low water content, it is not sensitive to hydrolytic and microbial splitting. Although polymerization of tricaprylin will not occur, it is reported to decompose into carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Tricaprylin should be stored in well-closed containers, protected from light, in a dry place at ambient temperature. High-density polyethylene, polypropylene, metal (aluminum), and glass are suitable for packaging. Some plastics, especially those containing plasticizers, can become brittle or expand in the presence of tricaprylin. Polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride are not suitable for its storage. Tricaprylin has a high tendency to migrate, and therefore care should be taken when selecting seal-closure elastomer material.

Source and Preparation

Tricaprylin is a triglyceride manufactured by esterification of caprylic acid and glycerin.

Applications

Tricaprylin is used in pharmaceutical preparations as a neutral carrier, absorption promoter, and solubilizer for active drugs. It has been used as an oily phase to prepare water-in-oil-in-water multiple emulsions for incorporating water-soluble drugs such as cefadroxil, cephradine, 4-aminoantipyrine, and antipyrine, and also for obtaining stable microcapsules. Tricaprylin acts as a vehicle for topical creams and lotions, and cosmetic preparations. It is used as a penetration-enhancing lipid base with excellent emollient and skin-smoothing properties. Owing to its non-greasy components and low viscosity, it has very good spreadability. In spite of being skin-permeable, tricaprylin does not obstruct natural skin respiration, and hence it is used in baby oils, massage oils, and face masks. It is an excellent dispersant, and acts as a solubilizer, wetting agent and binder in color cosmetics. Being readily miscible with natural oils and surfactants, tricaprylin is used as the fat component in two-phase foam baths. It is used in sunscreen creams and oils because of its compatibility with organic and inorganic filter agents. It is also used as a fixative for perfumes/fragrances.

Safety

Tricaprylin is used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found that dermal application of tricaprylin has not been associated with significant irritation in rabbit skin. However, as a penetration enhancer, tricaprylin may allow other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing their concentration so that they may reach the bloodstream. Ocular exposures of tricaprylin were found to be only mildly irritating to rabbit eyes.Little or no acute, subchronic, or chronic oral toxicity was observed in animal studies unless levels approached a significant percentage of caloric intake. Subcutaneous injections of tricaprylin in rats over a period of 5 weeks caused a granulomatous reaction. Tricaprylin has not been found to be teratogenic in rats, mice, or hamsters, but some reproductive effects have been seen in rabbits. Dose-related central nervous system toxicity in dogs has also been observed. LD50 (mouse, IP): >27.8 g/kg LD50 (mouse, IV): 3.7 g/kg LD50 (mouse, oral): 29.6 g/kg LD50 (mouse, SC): >27.8 g/kg LD50 (rat, IP): 0.05 g/kg LD50 (rat, IV): 4 g/kg LD50 (rat, oral): 33.3 g/kg

Incompatibilities

Tricaprylin is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.