CAS 102-71-6 · Alkanolamine
Triethanolamine
TEA · C₆H₁₅NO₃ · MW 149.19 g/mol
A versatile alkanolamine combining amine and alcohol functionality in a single molecule. Triethanolamine's mildly alkaline character, excellent water miscibility, and emulsifying properties make it indispensable in metalworking fluids, cement production, personal care formulations, and gas treatment. Texas-Chem supplies TEA in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₆H₁₅NO₃
Boiling Point
335.4 °C
Solubility
Miscible in water
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Tertiary amine with three 2-hydroxyethyl groups — trifunctional alkanolamine
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- Not established
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 5 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction)
- DOT Hazard Class
- Not regulated (flash pt >60 °C)
- UN Number
- Not assigned
- Packing Group
- N/A
- SARA 313
- Not listed
SDS available upon request.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₅NO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 149.19 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 102-71-6 |
| Boiling Point | 335.4 °C (635.7 °F) |
| Melting Point | 20.5 °C (68.9 °F) |
| Flash Point | 179 °C (354 °F) — Combustible |
| Density | 1.124 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | <0.01 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible in all proportions |
| pH (10% solution) | 10.5 — Mildly alkaline |
| Viscosity | ~613 cP at 20 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.4852 at 20 °C |
Industrial Applications
Metalworking & Cutting Fluids
Primary alkaline component in water-based metalworking fluids, providing pH buffering, corrosion inhibition, and emulsification of cutting oils for machining and grinding operations.
Cement & Concrete
Used as a grinding aid and strength-enhancing additive in Portland cement production. TEA improves clinker grindability and accelerates early compressive strength development.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Widely used as a pH adjuster and emulsifier in lotions, creams, shampoos, and sunscreens. USP/FCC grade ensures compliance with cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulation standards.
Gas Treatment
Selective absorbent for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal in natural gas sweetening and refinery off-gas treatment processes.
Textile & Leather Processing
Scouring agent and pH modifier in textile wet processing. Used in leather tanning and finishing to control bath alkalinity and improve dye uptake.
Herbicide & Agrochemical Formulations
Neutralizing agent for acidic herbicide active ingredients (e.g., 2,4-D, glyphosate) to form water-soluble amine salts, improving crop uptake and formulation stability.
Why Source Triethanolamine from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying specialty amines and alkanolamines to Texas industry
- Industrial, USP/FCC, and ACS grades stocked for diverse applications
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities