Basic Information

Chinese Name: 三乙胺

English Name: Triethylamine

Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₅N

Structural Formula: (C₂H₅)₃N

CAS No.: 121-44-8

Appearance: Colorless transparent liquid with a strong ammonia-like odor Molecular Weight: 101.19 g/mol

Boiling Point: 89.5℃

Flash Point: -7℃

Solvent Properties

Triethylamine is a polar organic amine with excellent solubility. It is miscible with most organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, ether, benzene, toluene and xylene, but slightly soluble in water (solubility in water is about 5.5 g/100 mL at 20 °C). It has high volatility and strong basicity, and can react with acids to form salts. Its basicity and solubility make it an ideal catalyst and solvent in organic synthesis reactions.

Main Applications

Organic Synthesis Industry: It is widely used as a basic catalyst, acid-binding agent and solvent in organic synthesis. It is mainly used in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, dyes and surfactants, and can promote the smooth progress of substitution, condensation and other reactions.

Pharmaceutical & Pesticide Industry: It is an important intermediate for the synthesis of antibiotics, antihistamines and other drugs, as well as insecticides and herbicides. It can regulate the reaction system pH and improve product yield and purity.

Rubber & Plastic Industry: Used as a vulcanization accelerator and anti-aging agent in rubber production, which can improve the mechanical properties and service life of rubber products. It is also used as a plasticizer additive in some plastic formulations.

Surfactant & Dye Industry: Used in the synthesis of quaternary ammonium salts, which are key raw materials for cationic surfactants. It is also used in the dyeing process of textiles as a leveling agent and fixing agent.

Safety

Health Hazards: Inhalation of its vapor can cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract, leading to cough, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and sore throat. Direct contact with skin and eyes will cause redness, swelling, burning pain and even corrosion. Prolonged exposure may damage the central nervous system, resulting in dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

Fire & Explosion Risks: It is a highly flammable liquid, and its vapor can form explosive mixtures with air at room temperature (explosion limit: 1.2%–8.0% in volume). It is easy to cause combustion and explosion when exposed to open flames, high temperatures or oxidants. The combustion product contains toxic nitrogen oxides.

Handling Precautions: Store in a cool, ventilated and fire-proof warehouse, away from heat sources, open flames and oxidants. The storage area should be equipped with anti-static facilities and leakage emergency treatment equipment. Seal the container tightly to prevent volatilization and absorption of carbon dioxide in the air. During operation, wear anti-static work clothes, chemical protective gloves, safety goggles and a gas mask. If accidental leakage occurs, cut off the fire source immediately, ventilate the area thoroughly, and use sand or inert absorbent to absorb the leakage, then dispose of it in accordance with relevant regulations.