Triethanolamine

1Identification

Name

Triethanolamine

IUPAC name

2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol

CAS number

102-71-6

EC number

203-049-8

Molecular formula

C6H15NO3

Molecular weight

149.19 g/mol

InChIKey

GSEJCLTVZPLZKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C(CO)N(CCO)CCO

PubChem CID

7618

Synonyms

Trolamine, 2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol, Sterolamide, Daltogen, Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, Nitrilotriethanol, Triethylolamine, Trihydroxytriethylamine, Thiofaco T-35, Sting-Kill, Triethanolamin, Tri(hydroxyethyl)amine, Teoa, Tris(beta-hydroxyethyl)amine

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Triethanolamine
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as an intermediate for surface active agents, textile specialties, waxes, polishes, herbicides, petroleum demulsifiers, toilet goods, cement additives, cutting oils, and other chemicals, for increasing penetration of organic liquids into wood and paper, producing lubricants for textile industry, making emulsions with mineral oils, vegetable oils, paraffin, and waxes, as solvent for casein, shellac, dyes, and natural rubber, for wool scouring, as water-repellent for textiles, dispersion agent, corrosion inhibitor, softening agent, emulsifier, humectant, plasticizer, chelating agent, rubber accelerator, in amino resin adhesives formulations, to recover hydrogen sulfide from sour natural g…
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Acid and Alkali Cleaning of Metals [Category: Clean] Metal Machining [Category: Heat or Machine] Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry] Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry] Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry] Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry] Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Photographic Processing [Category: Other] Cement Producing [Category: Industry] Metal Extraction and Refining [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Other Lubricating agent Anti-freeze agent Plating agent pH regulating agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Soil amendments (fertilizers) Emulsifier Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Waterproofing agent Corrosion inhibitor Hydraulic fluids Flux agent Fragrance Cleaning agent Surface modifier Defoamer Laboratory chemicals Dye Etching agent Adhesion/cohesion promoter Drier Chelating agent Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Processing aids not otherwise specified pH regulating agent Anti-freeze agent Other Lubricating agent Drier Intermediate Fragrance Soil amendments (fertilizers) Corrosion inhibitor Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Specialized Industrial Chemicals · Safer Chemical Classes -> Yellow triangle - The chemical has met Safer Choice Criteria for its functional ingredient-class, but has some hazard profile issues · Fragrance Ingredients · Cosmetics -> Buffering

Description

• Triethanolamine is an oily liquid with a mild ammonia odor. Denser than water. Freezing point is 71 °F. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Triethanolamine is a tertiary amino compound that is ammonia in which each of the hydrogens is substituted by a 2-hydroxyethyl group. It has a role as a surfactant and a buffer. It is an amino alcohol, a triol and a tertiary amino compound. It is functionally related to a triethylamine. It is a conjugate base of a triethanolammonium.
  ChEBI
• The CIR Expert Panel concluded that TEA and the 31 related TEA-containing ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating and when the levels of free diethanolamine do not exceed the present practices of use and concentration of diethanolamine itself. These ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed...Triethanolamine...
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

4 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Liquid may irritate eyes and skin. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Poisonous gases, such as NOx, may be produced (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers; [See Reference; Marks, p. 159-60] Animals sustain liver and kidney damage after high-dose feeding studies. [ACGIH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause skin sensitization; [ICSC] Low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs; Median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits; No evidence of skin sensitization in animal studies or in a group of 64 human volunteers; Low incidence of skin sensitization reported in humans; Not carcinogenic, a developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear goggles and self-contained breathing apparatus. Extinguish with dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide. Water may be ineffective on fire. Water or foam may cause frothing. Cool exposed containers with water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered containers as far as possible. Then wash away with plenty of water.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Overspread sufficient sodium bisulfate and sprinkle water. Drain into a sewer with abundant water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from oxidants. Well closed. Dry.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Hygroscopic.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Goggles or face shield; rubber gloves and boots. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Impervious clothing. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• TRIETHANOLAMINE is an aminoalcohol. Neutralize acids to form salts plus water in exothermic reactions. Amines may be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen is generated in combination with strong reducing agents, such as hydrides. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 928].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Water soluble.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Acids, oxidizing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ...Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for Triethylene glycol: Concentration process: Activated carbon.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Residues of triethanolamine are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only. Use: stabilizer, inhibitor. Limit: none.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Triethanolamine is included on this list. Effective date: 4/13/89; Sunset date: 12/19/95.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 7618 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.