Triethanolamine
General Product Information
| Article | Triethanolamine |
| Synonyms | 2,2′,2′′-Nitrilotri(ethan-1-ol), TEA, TELA, TEOA, Triethylolamine, Trolamine |
| CAS No. | 102-71-6 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 203-049-8 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29221310 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Tri-ethanolamine (TEA) is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a slight ammonia-like odor. It is an organic compound belonging to the alkanolamines and is produced industrially by the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia. Because of its versatile chemical properties, triethanolamine is a valuable substance in many industrial applications, including as an emulsifier, pH regulator, complexing agent and surfactant.
Characteristics
- Odor: Slightly ammonia-like.
- Grade: Technical (85% or 98% purity).
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C6H15NO3 |
| Molar Weight | 149.19 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 21,6 °C |
| Boiling Point | 335 °C |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water, well soluble in alcohols. |
| Density | Approx. 1.13 g/cm³ (at 20°C). |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Approx. 10-11 (on 1% solution). |
| Color | Colorless to light yellow |
| Shape | Viscous liquid |
Applications
Tri-ethanolamine is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Cosmetics & Personal Care
As an emulsifier and pH stabilizer in creams, lotions, shaving cream and shampoo.
2. Textile Industry
For textile softening and in dyeing processes.
3. Metalworking
As a corrosion inhibitor in coolants and lubricants.
4. Water Treatment
As a complexing agent for metal ions.
5. Cleaning Agents
In formulations of household and industrial cleaners as a surfactant and emulsifier.
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – Triethanolamine
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- PubChem – Triethanolamine of the National Library of Medicine by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- Wikipedia – Triethanolamine