Triethanolamine
Trihydroxy Ethylamine
- CAS
- 102-71-6
- EC
- 203-049-8
- Sectors
- Personal Care & Cosmetics, Oil, Gas & Energy, Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers
Triethanolamine (CAS 102-71-6) is an amine also known as trihydroxy ethylamine, a clear, colorless to slightly yellow oily liquid that acts as a pH adjuster and emulsifier in cosmetics, detergents and personal care products such as shampoos, and supports gas sweetening in oil refining. It has a density of 1.124 g/cm³, boiling point 335°C, melting point 21°C, flash point 179°C, and refractive index 1.482. Highly soluble in water and ethanol, it has a mild ammoniacal odor and acts as a weak base (pH 10.5 in 1% solution)
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C6H15NO3 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 149.19 g/mol |
| Form | Oily Liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless to slightly yellow |
| Odor | Mild ammoniacal. |
| Melting point | 20.5 °C |
| Boiling point | 335.4 °C |
| Density | 1.0985 g/cm³ @ Temp: 60 °C |
| Water solubility | soluble |
| Flash point | 365 °F |
| pH | 10.5-11.5 (25°C, 1M in H2O) |
| GHS signal word | Warning · Irritant / harmful |
| HS code | 29221310 |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Triethanolamine
Applications
Used as pH adjuster and emulsifier in cosmetics, detergents, and personal care products like shampoos; corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids; intermediate in surfactants for textiles and cleaning; gas sweetening in oil refining; cement grinding aid; in pharmaceuticals as neutralizer; in agriculture for pesticide formulations.
Safety & Risks
Causes skin/eye/respiratory irritation (H315, H319, H335); suspected carcinogen if contaminated with nitrosamines; avoid breathing vapors (P261), use PPE (P280). Low toxicity LD50 oral >5000 mg/kg; combustible; incompatible with strong acids/oxidizers. Stable but may form explosive mixtures; chronic aquatic effects none; ventilate areas.
Packaging
Packaged in 200kg iron drums or 25kg plastic pails; store tightly closed in cool, dry, ventilated places away from incompatibles per SDS guidelines.