Amines
REACH
Triethylamine
CAS Number
121-44-8
EC Number
204-469-4
FEMA Number
FEMA 4246
Abbreviation
TEA
What is Triethylamine?
Triethylamine (CAS 121-44-8), abbreviated TEA or NEt3, is a tertiary amine. FEMA 4246.
Where is Triethylamine used?
- Pharmaceutical synthesis: base and acid scavenger, neutralizing hydrogen halide byproducts during API synthesis to protect intermediates and improve yield quality
- Polymer production: catalyst in polyurethane and polycarbonate, where controlled basicity influences chain growth and material properties
- Specialty chemicals: catalyst in condensation and polymerization
- Epoxy systems: curing agent and accelerator, its reactivity affecting pot life and cure rate
- In food flavoring it contributes to flavor profiles at trace concentrations.
Good to know: Technical and pharmaceutical grades meeting USP or BP specifications are commonly sourced; buyers in regulated industries typically require certificate of analysis confirming purity of 99% or higher.
Commercial specifications
- Purity 99% or higher
- Certificate of analysis documentation
- Packaging from drums to ISO tank containers
Other Names (Synonyms)
NEt3|N,N,N-triethylamine|N,N-Diethylethanamine|(diethylamino)ethane|(C2H5)3N|Ethanamine, N,N-diethyl-|VOU728O6AY|TEN [Base]|TEA
What are the physical properties of Triethylamine?
Melting Point -114.7 °C
Boiling Point 89.3 °C
Density 0.7255 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C
Flash Point 20 °F
Appearance Triethylamine is a colorless liquid. Strong ammonia odor.
Color Clear
Odor Strong ammonia-like odor
Form Liquid
Water Solubility 133 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 51.75 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.401(lit.)
pH 12.7 (100g/l, H2O, 15℃)(IUCLID)
Log P 1.65
How is Triethylamine classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS05· Corrosive GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard GHS09· Environmental Hazard
Hazard Statements
H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor
H301 Toxic if swallowed
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Triethylamine?
HS Code 29211910
UN Number 1296
ADR Class 3
Packing Group II
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany) 1