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. CFPT 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 CFPT?
- 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