Description

Tri Ethanolamine (TEA): A Versatile Chemical Intermediate

Tri Ethanolamine (TEA), also known as Triethanolamine, is a clear, viscous, and hygroscopic liquid with a slight ammoniacal odor. Chemically, it's a tertiary amino alcohol with the formula N(CH₂CH₂OH)₃. This multifaceted chemical boasts a wide range of applications across various industries due to its unique properties as a:

• Neutralizing Agent: TEA's basicity makes it an effective neutralizing agent for acids, frequently used to adjust the pH in formulations. This is crucial for stabilizing and improving the performance of many products.
• Emulsifier & Surfactant: TEA's amphiphilic nature (possessing both hydrophilic and lipophilic groups) allows it to act as an emulsifier, blending otherwise immiscible liquids like oil and water. It also contributes to surface activity, enhancing the spreadability and cleaning power of formulations.
• Corrosion Inhibitor: In certain applications, TEA can help to protect metal surfaces from corrosion, extending the lifespan of equipment and products.
• Buffering Agent: Its ability to resist changes in pH makes TEA a useful buffering agent in various chemical processes and formulations.

Key Properties & Specifications:

• Chemical Formula: N(CH₂CH₂OH)₃
• Molecular Weight: 149.19 g/mol
• Appearance: Clear, viscous liquid
• Color: Colorless to slightly yellow
• Odor: Slight ammoniacal odor
• Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, and glycols.
• pH (10% solution): Approximately 10.5 - 11.0
• Specific Gravity: Approximately 1.124 g/mL (25°C)

Applications:

TEA finds its use in a multitude of industries and products, including:

• Cosmetics & Personal Care: A common ingredient in lotions, creams, shampoos, and conditioners, acting as an emulsifier, pH adjuster, and viscosity modifier.
• Pharmaceuticals: Used as a neutralizing agent, emulsifier, and solubilizer in various pharmaceutical formulations.
• Industrial Cleaning Products: Contributes to the emulsification and cleaning power of detergents and other cleaning agents.
• Paints & Coatings: Acts as an emulsifier, dispersing agent, and pH adjuster.
• Textile Industry: Employed as a neutralizing agent and in the preparation of textile auxiliaries.
• Agriculture: Used in some pesticide formulations.

Handling & Safety:

• TEA is mildly corrosive and can cause skin and eye irritation. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, and lab coats, should always be worn when handling TEA.
• Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed information on safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures.

Note: The specific properties and applications of TEA may vary depending on the grade and purity. Always consult the product's SDS for the most accurate and up-to-date information. This description is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation for any specific application.