Triethanolamine: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:54, 9 February 2025

A chemical compound used in various industrial applications

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a viscous organic compound that is both a tertiary amine and a triol. A triol is a molecule with three alcohol groups. Like other amines, triethanolamine is a weak base.

Structure and properties

Triethanolamine is a colorless, viscous liquid. It is hygroscopic and has a slight ammonia-like odor. The chemical formula for triethanolamine is C₆H₁₅NO₃, and its molecular structure consists of a central nitrogen atom bonded to three ethanol groups. This structure allows it to act as both a base and an alcohol.

Synthesis

Triethanolamine is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia. The reaction can be controlled to produce monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, or triethanolamine, depending on the stoichiometry and reaction conditions.

Applications

Triethanolamine is used in a variety of industrial and consumer products. It is commonly used as a surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetics and personal care products, such as lotions, creams, and shampoos. In the textile industry, it is used as a softening agent. It also serves as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids and as a neutralizing agent in detergents.

Safety and environmental impact

Triethanolamine is considered to be of low toxicity, but it can cause skin and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may lead to more serious health effects. It is important to handle it with appropriate safety measures, such as wearing protective clothing and eye protection.

Related pages

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-'''Triethanolamine''', often abbreviated as '''TEA''', is an organic compound that is both a tertiary amine and a triol. A triol is a molecule with three alcohol groups. Approximately 150,000 tonnes were produced in 1999. It appears as a viscous, colorless liquid, although it can also be yellowish if impure. It is soluble in water, alcohols, and acetone. Triethanolamine is notable for its multifunctional properties as an emulsifier, surfactant, and a base.
+{{Short description|A chemical compound used in various industrial applications}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==Properties==
+'''Triethanolamine''' (TEA) is a viscous organic compound that is both a tertiary [[amine]] and a [[triol]]. A triol is a molecule with three [[alcohol]] groups. Like other amines, triethanolamine is a weak base.
-Triethanolamine is characterized by its amine and hydroxyl functional groups. Its chemical formula is C6H15NO3, and it has a molar mass of 149.19 g/mol. The compound has a boiling point of 335.4°C (635.7°F) and a melting point of 21.6°C (70.9°F). Its viscosity and ability to dissolve in water and other solvents make it a valuable ingredient in a variety of industrial and consumer products.
-==Production==
+==Structure and properties==
-The production of triethanolamine involves the reaction of ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia. This process can produce not only triethanolamine but also diethanolamine and monoethanolamine as by-products. The ratios of these products can be adjusted by changing the stoichiometry of the reactants.
+Triethanolamine is a colorless, viscous liquid. It is hygroscopic and has a slight ammonia-like odor. The chemical formula for triethanolamine is C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>15</sub>NO<sub>3</sub>, and its molecular structure consists of a central nitrogen atom bonded to three ethanol groups. This structure allows it to act as both a base and an alcohol.
+==Synthesis==
+Triethanolamine is produced by the reaction of [[ethylene oxide]] with [[ammonia]]. The reaction can be controlled to produce monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, or triethanolamine, depending on the stoichiometry and reaction conditions.
+[[File:Reaction_of_ethylene_oxide_with_ammonia.svg|thumb|center|400px|Reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia to produce ethanolamines.]]
 ==Applications==
-Triethanolamine has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties. It is commonly used in the manufacture of [[cosmetics]] and personal care products such as skin and hair care products, where it serves as a pH adjuster or emulsifier. In industrial settings, TEA is used as a surfactant and for the neutralization of acidic components in lubricants, adhesives, and paints. It also finds application in the production of cement, where it acts as a grinding aid, and in photography as a component of developer solutions.
+Triethanolamine is used in a variety of industrial and consumer products. It is commonly used as a surfactant and emulsifier in [[cosmetics]] and [[personal care products]], such as lotions, creams, and shampoos. In the [[textile]] industry, it is used as a softening agent. It also serves as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids and as a neutralizing agent in [[detergents]].
-==Safety and Environmental Concerns==
-While triethanolamine is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and other products, there have been concerns regarding its potential as a skin irritant and its ability to form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens, when combined with nitrosating agents. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union have guidelines in place to limit the concentrations of TEA in consumer products and to prevent the formation of nitrosamines.
-==Regulation==
+==Safety and environmental impact==
-In the United States, the FDA monitors the concentration of triethanolamine in cosmetic products, ensuring that it is used within safe limits. The European Union's Cosmetics Directive also restricts the use of TEA in cosmetics, requiring that products containing triethanolamine be labeled if the concentration exceeds certain limits.
+Triethanolamine is considered to be of low toxicity, but it can cause skin and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may lead to more serious health effects. It is important to handle it with appropriate safety measures, such as wearing protective clothing and eye protection.
-==See Also==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Ethanolamine]]
 * [[Diethanolamine]]
 * [[Surfactant]]
-* [[Emulsifier]]
-[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
+[[Category:Organic compounds]]
 [[Category:Alcohols]]
 [[Category:Amines]]
-{{Chem-stub}}