What is triethanolamine?
Triethanolamine, abbreviated as TEA, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H15NO3. This organic compound is a clear and thick oily liquid that has a mild ammonia-like odor due to the presence of nitrogen in its center. However, some of its samples may appear yellow due to impurities. This substance, which is a compound of tertiary amine, tetriol, and amino alcohol, acts as a buffer and surfactant.
Physical and chemical properties:
You can see some of the physical and chemical properties of this substance in the table below.
| Structure |  |
| Other names | Trolamine |
| Chemical formula | C6H15NO3 |
| CAS NO | 102-71-6 |
| Molecular mass | 149.190 g |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a faint ammonia odor |
| Density | 1.124 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 21.60ºC |
| Boiling point | 335.40ºC |
| Freezing point | 42ºC- |
| Solubility | Miscible in water |
| PH | 0.1 mol/l solution is 10.51 |
Method of preparation:
This substance is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide obtained from the petroleum industry with aqueous ammonia. In this reaction, monoethanolamine and diethanolamine are also produced, and the ratio of products can be controlled by changing the stoichiometry of the reactants. To buy monoethanolamine for the production of this product, refer to Arman Chemistry.
Applications of triethanolamine:
TEA is mostly used in the manufacture of surfactants such as emulsifiers and is a common ingredient in the formulation of industrial and consumer products. This substance neutralizes fatty acids and adjusts pH. Thus, it dissolves oils and other water-insoluble substances.
Some common products in which this product can be found include sunscreen lotions, detergents, laundry detergents, dishwashing liquid, general cleaners, hand sanitizers, metalworking fluids, paints, shaving cream, and printing inks. Below we will examine some of the uses of this substance.
Cement Production:
This substance is used as an organic additive in the production of cement in clinker mills. This prevents the accumulation of powder on the surface and walls and facilitates the grinding process.
Medicine:
In medicine, various diseases and infections of the ear are treated with drops containing this substance. In pharmaceuticals, this organic compound is the active ingredient in some ear drops and is used to treat ear mites.
The role of triethanolamine in cosmetics:
This substance is used in cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, shampoos, perfumes and shaving foams as a pH balancer.
PH balancer:
This substance can neutralize substances that throw acidity and alkalinity out of balance.
Emulsifier:
Of course, to mix and maintain an oily substance and a non-oily compound, we need a third substance called a stabilizer or emulsifier. TEA can mix oily and non-oily products together as an emulsifier. On the other hand, this substance helps to increase the shelf life of these mixtures as a stabilizer.
Triethanolamine in creams:
This substance is used in cosmetic products such as creams as a pH regulator and emulsion stabilizer. This way the product has a longer shelf life.

The concentration of this substance in these products is 1 to 3%, this concentration in these products is safe.
In shampoo:
This alkaline and colorless liquid is used in shampoos to increase their foaming capacity. Of course, it has skin irritating properties that can damage the hair and cause it to dry and brittle.
Laboratories:
One of the common uses of this substance is as a complexing agent for aluminum ions in aqueous solutions. This reaction is usually used to mask ions before complexation titration with another chelating agent such as EDTA.
Photography:
In photography, it is used for photographic processing (silver halide). In general, this substance has been introduced and promoted by amateur photographers as a useful alkali.
Holography:
This substance is used to increase the sensitivity of silver halide-based holograms and as a swelling agent.
Advantages and disadvantages:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Used in most cosmetic and personal care products | Stimulant |
| Balances acidity | Damage to hair and causes dryness and brittleness |
| – | Allergic reactions |
Global sales and purchases market:
The market size of this The material was 700,000 tons in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.07% through 2030. The market can be segmented into various segments based on type, application, and geographic region.
- Type: 85% Commercial Grade and 99% Pure Grade
- Application: Personal Care, Cosmetics, Paints & Coatings, Textiles & Leather
- Geographical Region: North America, Asia, Africa, Europe
The global application of this material in the personal care products industry has been due to its unique properties. In fact, this material is found as an additive and emulsifying agent in a wide range of cosmetic product formulations. In recent years, the increasing demand for cosmetic and skin care products has been influential in the growth of the market for this material.
The 99% grade of this compound is used in hair products as an alkaline agent in shampoos, conditioners, sprays, etc. It can also be found in cosmetics such as eye shadow, mascara, face wash, eye cream, and moisturizers in cosmetic and skin care products. The largest region with the highest demand for this substance is North America. In fact, in 2021, 30% of the global share of this substance belonged to this country. After that, Asia ranks second in the market for this substance. The increasing demand for personal care products in countries such as India, China, and Japan is among the factors affecting the market for this substance in this region.
Where to buy triethanolamine?
To obtain this product and other chemical compounds, visit the Arman Chemicals website. Arman Chemicals provides chemical products with the best quality, the lowest price, and online and in bulk.
Dangers of Triethanolamine:
Side effects of this substance include headache, diarrhea, shortness of breath, serious eye damage, allergic reactions, and skin irritation. Other side effects of this substance include irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and liver and kidney damage.
MSDS and Safety Notes:
Before working with chemicals, read the relevant safety data sheet.
- Wear protective clothing, goggles and gloves when working.
- Avoid eating, drinking and smoking while working.
- Wash hands with water after handling.
- Contact with eyes may cause serious irritation and damage. After contact, remove contact lenses if present and flush affected eye with water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Contact with skin may cause allergic reactions. Flush affected area with water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- If inhaled, remove to fresh air.
- It is harmful if swallowed. If swallowed, rinse mouth with water and do not try to vomit.
- Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol foam, and water spray to extinguish the resulting fire.
- Store this material in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place and in a closed container.
Control the risks of working with chemicals by following safety precautions.
Comparing triethanolamine (TEA) with other amines
Comparing triethanolamine (TEA) with other amines can help you better understand its properties and applications in various industries. Below, we compare triethanolamine with two other common amines, diethanolamine (DEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA):
Chemical Structure:
Triethanolamine (TEA): Contains three hydroxyl groups and one amine group. This structure allows it to have good emulsifier and wetting properties.
Diethanolamine (DEA): Contains two hydroxyl groups and one amine group. This compound is mostly used in the production of detergents and cleaners.
Monoethanolamine (MEA): Contains one hydroxyl group and one amine group and is mostly used as a pH regulator and moisturizing agent in cosmetics and health products.
Physical Properties:
TEA: A colorless liquid with high viscosity and a weak amine odor, soluble in water and alcohols.
DEA: A colorless liquid with a similar odor to TEA and soluble in water and alcohol.
MEA: A colorless liquid with a stronger, more fragrant odor that is also soluble in water.
Uses:
TEA: Widely used in cosmetics, detergents, and the oil and gas industries as an emulsifier and pH adjuster.
DEA: Mainly used in the production of cleaners, detergents, and as a solvent in the chemical industry.
MEA: Mainly used in the production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the oil and gas industries as an absorber of acidic gases.
Safety and Risks:
TEA: Generally considered safe, but contact with skin and eyes should be avoided in high doses.
DEA: Can cause skin and eye irritation and may be hazardous in high doses.
MEA: Can also be an irritant and should be used with caution.
Overall, triethanolamine is a popular choice compared to other amines due to its unique properties and wide range of applications.