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Triethanolamine, Reagent, 98%, 1 Gallon

$248.89
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SKU: ZT1198-128
California prop 65
Description
  • What it is. Triethanolamine (TEA) is a viscous, colorless-to-pale-yellow liquid with a faint ammonia-like odor, supplied as 98% reagent grade in a 1-gallon size. It is a tertiary amine and triol used as a buffer, masking agent, emulsifier, and pH adjuster.
  • Chemical identity. Triethanolamine (2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol, CAS 102-71-6, C6H15NO3, 149.19 g/mol) combines a basic nitrogen with three hydroxyl groups. It mixes completely with water and dissolves in alcohols, acetone, and chloroform.
  • Physical properties. TEA has a density of about 1.12 g/mL, melts near 21 °C, and boils with decomposition near 335 °C. Its flash point is high, about 179-190 °C. Because it can solidify in cool rooms, warm it gently if it thickens or crystallizes.
  • A weak base and buffer. Triethanolamine is a weak base; a 0.1 N aqueous solution has a pH of about 10.5. Its conjugate acid buffers in the mildly alkaline range, so biochemists and analytical chemists use TEA-based buffers.
  • Masking agent in titrations. In complexometric titrations, triethanolamine masks iron, aluminum, and manganese by binding them so they do not interfere with EDTA determinations of calcium and magnesium. It is also used to dissolve Eriochrome Black T for indicator solutions.
  • Emulsifier and formulation ingredient. Neutralized with fatty acids, triethanolamine forms soaps that act as emulsifiers, which is why it appears in cosmetics, lotions, cutting fluids, and cleaning formulations as a pH adjuster and emulsifying agent.
  • Industrial uses. TEA is used as a cement grinding aid, corrosion inhibitor, gas-scrubbing absorbent for acid gases, and intermediate in surfactant production.
  • Buffer preparation. To prepare a TEA buffer, dilute triethanolamine in water and titrate to the target pH with hydrochloric acid. TEA buffers are used in enzyme assays and as alkaline media for some colorimetric methods.
  • Handling at a glance. Triethanolamine causes serious eye irritation and is hygroscopic. Wear safety glasses and gloves, keep the container closed, and store it at room temperature away from strong acids and oxidizers. Related titration products include Lab Pro's Eriochrome Black T Indicator and EDTA Titrant 0.1 N / 0.05 M.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Name Triethanolamine
CAS Number 102-71-6
EC Number 203-049-8
Synonyms TEA, 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol, tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, trolamine
Formula C6H15NO3 (N(CH2CH2OH)3)
Molecular Weight 149.19 g/mol
Grade Reagent
Assay 98% (nominal)
Density About 1.12 g/mL
Melting Point About 21 °C
Boiling Point About 335 °C (decomposes)
Flash Point About 179 to 190 °C
Refractive Index About 1.484 to 1.486
pH (0.1 N aqueous) About 10.5
Appearance Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid
Solubility Miscible with water; soluble in alcohol, acetone, chloroform
Hazard Statement H319 (causes serious eye irritation)
DOT Not regulated (comparable products)
Package Size 1 gallon

Applications / Common Uses

  • Masking agent: Masks Fe, Al, and Mn in EDTA titrations.
  • Buffers: Prepares mildly alkaline TEA buffers.
  • Indicator preparation: Dissolves Eriochrome Black T.
  • Emulsifier: Forms soaps with fatty acids.
  • Industrial processing: Serves as a grinding aid and corrosion inhibitor.

Storage, Handling & Shipping

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from strong acids and oxidizers. Triethanolamine is hygroscopic and can solidify below about 21 °C; warm gently and mix if it thickens or crystallizes.

  • Incompatible materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, and copper and its alloys.
  • Personal protection: Safety glasses and gloves.
  • Spill response: Absorb with inert material and place in a closed container for disposal.
  • First aid: Eyes: rinse with water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
  • GHS signal word: Warning (eye irritation).
  • DOT / shipping: Not regulated (confirm on SDS).

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FAQs

What is triethanolamine used for in the lab?

It serves as a masking agent in EDTA titrations to bind iron, aluminum, and manganese; a buffer component in the mildly alkaline range; a solvent for Eriochrome Black T indicator solutions; and an emulsifier and pH adjuster in formulation work. It is a common masking agent.

How does triethanolamine mask metals in EDTA titrations?

Triethanolamine forms stable complexes with iron, aluminum, and manganese in alkaline solution, preventing them from reacting with EDTA or blocking the indicator. This lets you titrate calcium and magnesium accurately in samples containing those interfering metals. Add it before the buffer, then adjust pH as your method directs before adding indicator and titrating.

Why does triethanolamine solidify?

Triethanolamine melts near 21 °C, so it can thicken or crystallize in cool storage rooms. Gently warm the container to room temperature or slightly above, then mix thoroughly before use. Solidification does not harm the product. Store it in a warm area during winter months to avoid repeated thickening.

Is triethanolamine hazardous?

Triethanolamine causes serious eye irritation and may irritate skin with prolonged contact. Wear safety glasses and gloves and rinse splashes with water. It has a high flash point and is not regulated for transport in comparable products, but confirm on the safety data sheet. Keep it closed.

What pH does triethanolamine give in water?

Triethanolamine is a weak base; a 0.1 N aqueous solution has a pH of about 10.5. Partly neutralized with acid, it forms buffers in the mildly alkaline range, useful in biochemistry, analytical methods, and formulations that need gentle pH control. Confirm pH with a calibrated meter.