Triethanolamine, Trolamine, TEA, TEOA, TEA85, TEA99, 102-71-6

Triethanolamine, Trolamine, TEA, TEOA, TEA85, TEA99, 102-71-6

TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA / TEOA / TROLAMINE)

Triethanolamine / 2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol / Trolamine

CAS Number: 102-71-6

EC Number: 203-049-8

1. IDENTIFICATION

2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Key Physical Notes:

• TEA 99% solidifies below 21°C (melting point ~21.6°C)

• TEA 85% (Low Freeze Grade) remains liquid at lower temperatures

• Both grades are completely miscible with water, ethanol, and glycerin

3. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Key Chemical Features:

• Contains both amine (basic) and alcohol (hydroxyl) functional groups

• Forms salts with acids (soap formation with fatty acids)

• Excellent emulsifying agent

• Effective pH buffer and neutralizer

• Can form complexes with metal ions

4. GRADES & TYPES

5. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equations (Simplified):

NH₃ + C₂H₄O → MEA (Monoethanolamine)
MEA + C₂H₄O → DEA (Diethanolamine)
DEA + C₂H₄O → TEA (Triethanolamine)

Global Production Volume: ~150,000 metric tons annually

6. APPLICATIONS

6.1. Cosmetics & Personal Care (Major Use)

Important Cosmetic Safety Note: For leave-on products, maximum TEA concentration is 2.5%. Product must be pure with minimal nitrosamine content (≤ 50 µg/kg) and secondary amine content (≤ 0.5%).

6.2. Detergents & Cleaning Products

6.3. Metalworking & Corrosion Inhibition

6.4. Construction & Cement Industry

6.5. Paints, Coatings & Inks

6.6. Adhesives & Sealants

6.7. Textile Industry

6.8. Gas Treatment & Chemical Synthesis

6.9. Pharmaceutical & Medical

6.10. Agrochemicals

6.11. Rubber & Plastics

6.12. Other Applications

7. COSMETIC & PERSONAL CARE – SPECIFIC FORMULATIONS

7.1. Skin Lightening/Cream Formulations

TEA is used as a neutralizing agent in combination with:

• EDTA (chelating agent)

• Sorbitol (humectant)

• Glycerin (moisturizer)

• Glyceryl Stearate (GMS 90) (emulsifier)

7.2. Shaving Foams

TEA provides:

• Thickening properties

• Wetting properties

• Surface tension reduction

• Creates dense, creamy foam

7.3. Hair Dyes

TEA is used to adjust pH and enhance dye penetration.

7.4. Cold Weather Products

TEA 85% (Low Freeze Grade) is preferred for cold weather applications and storage.

8. COMPARISON: TEA 85% vs TEA 99%

9. COMPARISON WITH OTHER ETHANOLAMINES

10. QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

11. STORAGE & HANDLING

Storage Notes:

• TEA 99% solidifies below 21°C. To liquefy, warm to 25-30°C using a warm room, drum heater, or water bath.

• Solidification is normal and does not affect product quality.

• Store in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption.

• Protect from air and light to prevent discoloration (yellow to brown).

12. SAFETY & HEALTH INFORMATION

GHS Classification

Hazard Statements (H-Codes)

Precautionary Statements (P-Codes)

Toxicological Information

Health Effects:

• Eyes: Causes serious eye damage

• Skin: Causes skin irritation; may cause allergic dermatitis in sensitive individuals

• Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation

• Ingestion: Low toxicity; large amounts may cause gastrointestinal distress

Nitrosamine Risk:

• TEA can react with nitrosating agents to form N-nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic

• Regulations require nitrosamine content ≤ 50 µg/kg for cosmetic-grade TEA

• Secondary amine content must be ≤ 0.5%

First Aid Measures

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

NFPA 704

13. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

14. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

15. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

16. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Cosmetic Restrictions (EU):

• Maximum concentration in leave-on products: 2.5%

• Nitrosamine content: ≤ 50 µg/kg

• Secondary amine content: ≤ 0.5%

17. SYNONYMS & OTHER NAMES

Database Identifiers:

• CAS: 102-71-6

• EC: 203-049-8

• MDL: MFCD00002855

• PubChem CID: 7618

• RTECS: KL9275000

• UNII: 9O3K93S3TK

• HS Code: 2922.15

18. SUMMARY

Triethanolamine (TEA / TEOA / Trolamine, CAS 102-71-6) is a tertiary amine and triol (three alcohol groups) compound that functions as an emulsifier, pH adjuster, surfactant, and neutralizing agent. It is a viscous, hygroscopic liquid (or solid below 21°C) with a slight ammonia-like odor.

Key Features:

Main Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• EYE DAMAGE – Causes serious eye damage

• SKIN IRRITANT – Causes skin irritation

• HYGROSCOPIC – Absorbs moisture; store in sealed containers

• NITROSAMINE RISK – Can form carcinogenic nitrosamines with nitrosating agents

• SOLIDIFIES BELOW 21°C (TEA 99%) – Warm to liquefy

19. IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Physical State at Room Temperature: TEA 99% solidifies at temperatures below 21°C (melting point ~21.6°C). It is commonly sold as a solid (crystalline) or must be warmed to liquefy. TEA 85% (Low Freeze Grade) remains liquid at much lower temperatures (-18°C to -10°C) and is preferred for cold climates.

2. Hygroscopic Nature: TEA is very hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent water absorption and quality degradation. Moisture absorption can lead to crystallization issues in TEA 99%.

3. Nitrosamine Concern: TEA can react with nitrosating agents (nitrites, nitrates) to form N-nitrosamines, some of which are known carcinogens. For cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, nitrosamine content must be ≤ 50 µg/kg, and secondary amine content must be ≤ 0.5%.

4. Discoloration: TEA may darken from colorless/yellow to brown when exposed to air, heat, or light over time. This discoloration is typically not an indication of degradation for industrial applications but may be unacceptable for cosmetic/pharmaceutical use.

5. Concentration Limits in Cosmetics: In the EU, maximum TEA concentration in leave-on cosmetic products is 2.5%. There is no specific limit for rinse-off products, but good manufacturing practices should be followed.

6. Versatile Emulsifier: TEA forms soaps (salts) with fatty acids (e.g., stearic acid, oleic acid), creating effective emulsifiers for oil-in-water emulsions in cosmetics, polishes, and coatings.

7. Corrosion Inhibition: TEA is effective as a corrosion inhibitor for ferrous metals when used in metalworking fluids, antifreeze, and cooling systems. It forms a protective film on metal surfaces.

8. Compatibility: TEA is compatible with most materials but is corrosive to copper, brass, and zinc. Use stainless steel, HDPE, or glass containers for storage.

9. Alternatives: For some applications, alternative neutralizing agents include:

   • AMP (2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol): Lower volatility, better for coatings

   • NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide): Stronger base, lower cost

   • DEA (Diethanolamine): Lower molecular weight, similar properties

   • TIPA (Triisopropanolamine): Similar to TEA with different branching

10. Storage Life: TEA 99% has a typical shelf life of 12-24 months when stored properly. Over time, it may darken and absorb moisture. TEA 85% has similar or slightly longer shelf life due to dilution.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.