Product name : Triethanolamine

Other names : Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, 2,2',2"-Trihydroxy-triethylamine, Triethylolamine, Trolamine, TEA, TEOA

CAS #  : 102-71-6

Items                                    Properties

Molecular formula               C₆H₁₅NO₃ /(CH₂CH₂OH)₃N
Molar mass                         149.188 g/mol
Appearance                         Pale yellow liquid, hygroscopic
Density                                 1.126 g/cm3
Melting point                       20.5°C (293.65 K)
Boiling point                        208 °C (20 hPa)
                                               335.4°C (608.55 K)
Solubility in water               Miscible
Flash point                          179 °C
Autoignition temperature  325 °C
pH                                         10.5

Characteristics and Application :

Triethanolamine, often abbreviated as TEA, is an organic chemical compound which is both a tertiary amine and a tri-alcohol. A tri-alcohol is a molecule with three hydroxyl groups. Like other amines, triethanolamine acts as a weak base due to the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. Triethanolamine can also be abbreviated as TEOA, which can help to distinguish it from triethylamine.

This ingredient is used as a pH balancer in cosmetic preparations in a variety of different products - ranging from skin lotion, eye gels, moisturizers, shampoos, shaving foams etc.

Another common use of TEA is as a complexing agent for aluminium ions in aqueous solutions. This reaction is often used to mask such ions before performing what is called a complexometric titration with another chelating agent such as EDTA (EthyleneDiamineTetraAcetic acid), which will form stable complexes with most metallic ions.

Triethanolamine (TEA) is also used as organic additive (0.1 wt. %) in the grinding of cement clinker. It is proved to be very effective to facilitate the grinding process by preventing agglomeration and coating of the powder at the surface of balls and mill wall.

As a neutralizing and emulsifying agent in cosmetic and pharmaceuticals industry for manufacturing of Skin care products like creams, ointments and shampoos.

Uses :

Triethanolamine has reported used in the following product types: facial moisturizer/treatment; moisturizer; mascara; sunscreen spf 15 and above; anti-aging; facial cleanser; styling gel/lotion; foundation; around-eye cream; shaving cream (men's).