Triethanolamine or TEA is an organic compound with the formula N(CH2CH2OH)3. It is a colorless viscous liquid. It is both a tertiary amine and a triol. Triols are molecules with three alcohol groups. About 150,000 tons were produced in 1999. [3] It is a colorless compound, but samples may appear yellow due to impurities.
Triethanolamine is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide and ammonia water, and there are also ethanolamine and diethanolamine. The ratio of products can be controlled by changing the stoichiometry of the reactants.
Triethanolamine is mainly used in the manufacture of surfactants such as emulsifiers. It is a common ingredient in formulations used in industrial and consumer products. Triethanolamine neutralizes fatty acids, adjusts and buffers pH, and dissolves oils and other components that are not completely soluble in water. In some cases, triethanolammonium salts are more soluble than alkali metal salts that might otherwise be used, and produce less basic products than salts formed using alkali metal hydroxides. Some common products in which triethanolamine is found include sunscreen lotions, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, common cleaners, hand sanitizers, polishes, metalworking fluids, paints, shaving creams, and printing inks.