Triethanolamine

General description

Triethanolamine is a hygroscopic liquid with a weak ammoniacal odor, ranging in color from colorless to pale yellow. It may turn brown upon exposure to air and light, and at lower temperatures, it can form colorless or pale yellow cubic crystals. With a melting point of 21.2°C, a boiling point of 360°C, a flash point of 193°C, a relative density (d420) of 1.1242, and a refractive index (nD20) of 1.4852, triethanolamine is a versatile compound. It is miscible with water, ethanol, and acetone, while being slightly soluble in ether, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride.

Uses

Triethanolamine exhibits strong alkalinity, allowing it to function as a base by accepting protons, making it suitable for condensation reactions. In the cement industry, triethanolamine serves as an early strength agent. It accelerates the hydration process of cement in concrete, enhancing early strength, increasing concrete density, and providing anti-permeability and antifreeze properties. In pharmaceutical formulations, triethanolamine is utilized in emulsions and as an alkylating agent. It finds application in various pharmaceutical products, including topical preparations, injectable solutions, topical analgesics, and sunscreens.

Production Methods

Triethanolamine is prepared commercially by the ammonolysis of ethylene oxide. The reaction yields a mixture of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine, which are separated to obtain the pure products.

Definition

ChEBI: A tertiary amino compound that is ammonia in which each of the hydrogens is substituted by a 2-hydroxyethyl group.

Brand name

Mobisyl [as salicylate] (Ascher);Sabrilex.

Shipping

UN2491 Ethanol amine or Ethanolamine solutions, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material.

Waste Disposal

Controlled incineration; incinerator equipped with a scrubber or thermal unit to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions