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Triethanolamine

PubChem CID
7618
Structure
Triethanolamine_small.png
Triethanolamine_3D_Structure.png
Molecular Formula
Synonyms
  • TRIETHANOLAMINE
  • Trolamine
  • 102-71-6
  • 2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol
  • Sterolamide
Molecular Weight
149.19 g/mol
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Dates
  • Create:
    2004-09-16
  • Modify:
    2025-01-18
Description
Triethanolamine is an oily liquid with a mild ammonia odor. Denser than water. Freezing point is 71 °F. (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
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 buffer and a surfactant. It is a tertiary amino compound, a triol and an amino alcohol. It is functionally related to a triethylamine. It is a conjugate base of a triethanolammonium.
Trolamine, which is also referred to as triethanolamine (TEA), is a tertiary amine and a triol. It is a bifunctional compound that exhibits both properties of alcohols and amines. Trolamine contains small amounts of diethanolamine and ethanolamine and may also act as an antioxidant against the auto-oxidation of animal and vegetable fats. It is commonly used as a pH adjuster and surfactant in industrial and cosmetic products such as skin and hair conditioning products.

1 Structures

1.1 2D Structure

Chemical Structure Depiction
Triethanolamine.png

1.2 3D Conformer

1.3 Crystal Structures

2 Biologic Description

SVG Image
SVG Image
IUPAC Condensed
N(EtOH2)Gly-ol
Sequence
G
HELM
PEPTIDE1{[C(CO)N(CCO)CCO]}$$$$
IUPAC
N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-glycinol

3 Names and Identifiers

3.1 Computed Descriptors

3.1.1 IUPAC Name

2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol
Computed by Lexichem TK 2.7.0 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

3.1.2 InChI

InChI=1S/C6H15NO3/c8-4-1-7(2-5-9)3-6-10/h8-10H,1-6H2
Computed by InChI 1.0.6 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

3.1.3 InChIKey

GSEJCLTVZPLZKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Computed by InChI 1.0.6 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

3.1.4 SMILES

C(CO)N(CCO)CCO
Computed by OEChem 2.3.0 (PubChem release 2024.12.12)

3.2 Molecular Formula

C6H15NO3
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

C6H15NO3

(CH2OHCH2)3N

3.3 Other Identifiers

3.3.1 CAS

102-71-6
64114-46-1

3.3.3 Deprecated CAS

105655-27-4, 126068-67-5, 1429745-86-7, 36549-53-8, 36549-54-9, 36549-55-0, 36659-79-7, 464917-26-8
105655-27-4, 1199604-09-5, 126068-67-5, 1429745-86-7, 36549-53-8, 36549-54-9, 36549-55-0, 36659-79-7, 464917-26-8
105655-27-4, 126068-67-5, 36549-54-9, 36549-55-0, 36659-79-7, 464917-26-8

3.3.4 European Community (EC) Number

3.3.5 UNII

3.3.6 ChEBI ID

3.3.7 ChEMBL ID

3.3.8 DrugBank ID

3.3.9 DSSTox Substance ID

3.3.10 HMDB ID

3.3.11 ICSC Number

3.3.12 KEGG ID

3.3.13 Metabolomics Workbench ID

3.3.14 NCI Thesaurus Code

3.3.15 Nikkaji Number

3.3.16 NSC Number

3.3.17 RXCUI

3.3.18 Wikidata

3.3.19 Wikipedia

3.4 Synonyms

3.4.1 MeSH Entry Terms

  • 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol
  • triethanolamine
  • triethanolamine acetate
  • triethanolamine citrate
  • triethanolamine citrate (1:1)
  • triethanolamine copper salt
  • triethanolamine hydrochloride
  • triethanolamine iodohydrate
  • triethanolamine maleate
  • triethanolamine phosphate
  • triethanolamine sulfate
  • triethanolamine sulfate (2:1)
  • triethanolamine sulfite (1:1)
  • triethanolamine tartrate (1:1), (R-(R*,R*))-isomer
  • triethanolamine titanium salt
  • triethanolammonium chloride
  • trolamine

3.4.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

4 Chemical and Physical Properties

4.1 Computed Properties

Property Name
Molecular Weight
Property Value
149.19 g/mol
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
XLogP3
Property Value
-1
Reference
Computed by XLogP3 3.0 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count
Property Value
3
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count
Property Value
4
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Rotatable Bond Count
Property Value
6
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Exact Mass
Property Value
149.10519334 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Monoisotopic Mass
Property Value
149.10519334 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Topological Polar Surface Area
Property Value
63.9 Ų
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Heavy Atom Count
Property Value
10
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Formal Charge
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Complexity
Property Value
55.7
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Isotope Atom Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Compound Is Canonicalized
Property Value
Yes
Reference
Computed by PubChem (release 2021.10.14)

4.2 Experimental Properties

4.2.1 Physical Description

Triethanolamine is an oily liquid with a mild ammonia odor. Denser than water. Freezing point is 71 °F. (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Liquid
Highly hygroscopic, viscous liquid with a mild ammoniacal odor; Becomes brown on air and light exposure; mp = 21.57 deg C; [Merck Index] Light yellow viscous liquid; Hygroscopic; [Fisher Scientific MSDS]
Solid
COLOURLESS VISCOUS HYGROSCOPIC LIQUID OR CRYSTALS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.
Oily liquid with a mild ammonia odor.

4.2.2 Color / Form

Viscous liquid
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791
Colorless
Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 1369
Pale-yellow
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. Volumes 1-2. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, NY. 2001, p. V2: 2106

4.2.3 Odor

Slight ammonical odor
Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 1369

4.2.4 Boiling Point

635.7 °F at 760 mmHg (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
335.4
Fiume MM, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2013;32(3 Suppl):59S-83S.
350 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-524
BP: 335.4 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791
335.40 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
The Good Scents Company Information System
335.4 °C
635.7 °F (decomposes)

4.2.5 Melting Point

70.9 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
21.6
Fiume MM, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2013;32(3 Suppl):59S-83S.
21.5 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-524
Crystals from ethanol; mp: 177 °C /Triethanolamine hydrochloride/
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791
20.5 °C
21.6 °C
70.9 °F

4.2.6 Flash Point

365 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
179 °C
179 °C (354 °F) - closed cup
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
190.5 °C (Open cup)
ITII. Toxic and Hazardous Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual. Tokyo, Japan: The International Technical Information Institute, 1988., p. 542
354 °F (179 °C) (closed cup)
National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325-110
365 °F

4.2.7 Solubility

greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Miscible
Fiume MM, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2013;32(3 Suppl):59S-83S.
In water, 1.0X10+6 mg/L (miscible) at 25 °C
Riddick, J.A., W.B. Bunger, Sakano T.K. Techniques of Chemistry 4th ed., Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons., 1985., p. 706
Miscible with water, methanol, acetone; soluble in benzene (4.2%), ether (1.6%), carbon tetrachloride (0.4%), n-heptane (<0.1%)
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791
Soluble in chloroform
Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 1369
Slightly soluble in petroleum ether
Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 60th ed. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1979., p. C-110
1000 mg/mL
Solubility in water: miscible

4.2.8 Density

1.13 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
1.1242 at 20 °C/4 °C; 1.0985 at 60 °C/4 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791
Relative density (water = 1): 1.1
1.13

4.2.9 Vapor Density

5.14 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
5.1 (Air = 1)
Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 10th ed. Volumes 1-3 New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1999., p. V3: 3570
Relative vapor density (air = 1): 5.1
5.14

4.2.10 Vapor Pressure

less than 0.01 mmHg at 68 °F ; 10 mmHg at 401 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
0.00000359 [mmHg]
3.59X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C /Extrapolated/
Daubert, T.E., R.P. Danner. Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Washington, D.C.: Taylor and Francis, 1989., p. 2065
Vapor pressure, Pa at 25 °C:
<0.01 mmHg

4.2.11 LogP

-1.59
Fiume MM, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2013;32(3 Suppl):59S-83S.
log Kow = -1.00
Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 25
-1.00
-2.3

4.2.12 Stability / Shelf Life

Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Very hygroscopic... turns brown on exposure to air and light.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791

4.2.13 Autoignition Temperature

324 °C
IPCS, CEC; International Chemical Safety Card on Triethanolamine. (March 1995). Available from, as of November 5, 2003: https://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics1034.htm

4.2.14 Decomposition

Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions - Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanides/.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3568

4.2.15 Viscosity

590.5 cP at 25 °C; 65.7 cP at 60 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791

4.2.16 Heat of Vaporization

16.127 kcal/mol at boiling point
Riddick, J.A., W.B. Bunger, Sakano T.K. Techniques of Chemistry 4th ed., Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons., 1985., p. 706

4.2.17 pH

pH = 10.5 (0.1 N aqueous solution); strong base
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791

4.2.18 Surface Tension

0.0484 N/m at 20 °C
Gerhartz, W. (exec ed.). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 5th ed.Vol A1: Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Publishers, 1985 to Present., p. VA10 (1993) 2

4.2.19 Refractive Index

Index of refraction: 1.4852 at 20 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791

4.2.20 Dissociation Constants

pKa
7.76
Fiume MM, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2013;32(3 Suppl):59S-83S.
pKa = 7.76 at 25 °C (conjugate acid)
Perrin DD; Dissociation constants of organic bases in aqueous solution. IUPAC Chem Data Ser, Buttersworth, London (1965)

4.2.21 Other Experimental Properties

Heat of fusion = 6.500 kcal/mol
Riddick, J.A., W.B. Bunger, Sakano T.K. Techniques of Chemistry 4th ed., Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons., 1985., p. 706
Heat capacity = 74.1 cal/K-mol
Riddick, J.A., W.B. Bunger, Sakano T.K. Techniques of Chemistry 4th ed., Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons., 1985., p. 706
Hydroscopic; vapor pressure: 10 mm Hg @ 205 °C
Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 10th ed. Volumes 1-3 New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1999., p. V3 3570
Slightly less alkaline than ammonia
Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 1369
For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

4.3 SpringerMaterials Properties

4.4 Chemical Classes

Nitrogen Compounds -> Ethanolamines

4.4.1 Drugs

Pharmaceuticals -> Listed in ZINC15
S55 | ZINC15PHARMA | Pharmaceuticals from ZINC15 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3247749
Pharmaceuticals
S10 | SWISSPHARMA | Pharmaceutical List with Consumption Data | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2623484
4.4.1.1 Human Drugs
Human drug -> Discontinued
4.4.1.2 Animal Drugs
Pharmaceuticals -> UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate List
S104 | UKVETMED | UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate's List | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.7802119

4.4.2 Cosmetics

Cosmetics ingredient -> Antioxidant; Base; Buffering/pH Adjusting; Conditioning/Emollient; Emulsifier; Other (Specify)
Cosmetic ingredients (Triethanolamine) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review)
Buffering
S13 | EUCOSMETICS | Combined Inventory of Ingredients Employed in Cosmetic Products (2000) and Revised Inventory (2006) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2624118
Personal care product
S120 | DUSTCT2024 | Substances from Second NORMAN Collaborative Dust Trial | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.13835254

4.4.3 Endocrine Disruptors

Potential endocrine disrupting compound
S109 | PARCEDC | List of 7074 potential endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) by PARC T4.2 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.10944198

4.4.4 Food Additives

MALTING OR FERMENTING AID -> FDA Substance added to food

4.4.5 Fragrances

Fragrance Ingredient (Triethanolamine) -> IFRA transparency List

4.4.6 Polymers

Plastics -> Other stabilisers
S47 | ECHAPLASTICS | A list from the Plastic Additives Initiative Mapping Exercise by ECHA | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2658139
Plastics -> N.a.
S47 | ECHAPLASTICS | A list from the Plastic Additives Initiative Mapping Exercise by ECHA | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2658139
Plastics -> Other functions -> Pigment
S47 | ECHAPLASTICS | A list from the Plastic Additives Initiative Mapping Exercise by ECHA | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2658139

5 Spectral Information

5.1 1D NMR Spectra

1 of 2
1D NMR Spectra
NMR: 7209 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection)
2 of 2
1D NMR Spectra

5.1.1 1H NMR Spectra

1 of 3
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Spectra ID
Instrument Type
JEOL
Frequency
90 MHz
Solvent
CDCl3
Shifts [ppm]:Intensity
2.61:660.00, 2.71:60.00, 2.63:387.00, 2.60:951.00, 3.68:759.00, 3.59:400.00, 3.61:744.00, 3.66:337.00, 2.72:57.00, 3.47:35.00, 3.49:46.00, 2.75:40.00, 2.78:38.00, 2.66:936.00, 2.55:752.00, 4.58:122.00, 2.57:348.00, 3.63:984.00, 3.57:1000.00, 2.77:36.00, 2.76:35.00
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Instrument Name
Varian A-60
Source of Sample
Pyramid Chemical Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Copyright
Copyright © 2009-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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5.1.2 13C NMR Spectra

1 of 3
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Spectra ID
Instrument Type
NEVA
Frequency
15.09 MHz
Solvent
CDCl3
Shifts [ppm]:Intensity
57.09:894.00, 59.50:1000.00
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Source of Sample
Fluka AG, Buchs, Switzerland
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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5.1.3 15N NMR Spectra

Instrument Name
Varian DP-60
Copyright
Copyright © 2002-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
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5.2 Mass Spectrometry

5.2.1 GC-MS

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Spectra ID
Instrument Type
EI-B
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

118.0 99.99

74.0 32.91

56.0 22.53

45.0 12.57

30.0 8.42

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Notes
instrument=HITACHI M-80
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Spectra ID
Instrument Type
GC-MS
Top 5 Peaks

262.0 1

117.0 0.32

263.0 0.28

130.0 0.25

144.0 0.15

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5.2.2 MS-MS

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Spectra ID
Ionization Mode
Positive
Top 5 Peaks

45.03483 100

70.06709 85.12

44.05053 46.27

42.03389 37.55

88.07576 12.07

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Spectra ID
Ionization Mode
Positive
Top 5 Peaks

45.03483 100

44.05053 45.90

42.03389 37.70

70.06709 24.94

41.03886 9.08

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5.2.3 LC-MS

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Authors
Kakazu Y, Horai H, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio Univ.
Instrument
API3000, Applied Biosystems
Instrument Type
LC-ESI-QQ
MS Level
MS2
Ionization Mode
POSITIVE
Collision Energy
10 V
Precursor m/z
150
Precursor Adduct
[M+H]+
Top 5 Peaks

150.3 999

132 22

133.2 18

64 7

73.2 4

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License
CC BY-NC-SA
2 of 14
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Authors
Kakazu Y, Horai H, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio Univ.
Instrument
API3000, Applied Biosystems
Instrument Type
LC-ESI-QQ
MS Level
MS2
Ionization Mode
POSITIVE
Collision Energy
20 V
Precursor m/z
150
Precursor Adduct
[M+H]+
Top 5 Peaks

150.3 999

132.1 624

88.2 322

70.1 191

114.2 174

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License
CC BY-NC-SA

5.2.4 Other MS

1 of 7
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Other MS
MASS: 4612 (NIST/EPA/MSDC Mass Spectral Database, 1990 version); 103 (Aldermaston, Eight Peak Index of Mass Spectra, UK)
2 of 7
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Authors
MASS SPECTROSCOPY SOC. OF JAPAN (MSSJ)
Instrument
HITACHI M-80
Instrument Type
EI-B
MS Level
MS
Ionization Mode
POSITIVE
Ionization
ENERGY 70 eV
Top 5 Peaks

118 999

74 329

56 225

45 126

30 84

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License
CC BY-NC-SA

5.3 IR Spectra

IR Spectra
IR: 6371 (Coblentz Society Spectral Collection)

5.3.1 FTIR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
PERKIN-ELMER 1710
Technique
NEAT
Source of Sample
Sprouse Scientific Systems, Inc.
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Technique
Dried, layer between KBr
Source of Sample
Huels AG, Marl
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
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5.3.2 ATR-IR Spectra

1 of 2
Technique
ATR-Neat
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Source of Sample
Sigma-Aldrich
Catalog Number
T58300
Copyright
Copyright © 2018-2024 Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. - Database Compilation Copyright © 2018-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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5.3.3 Near IR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
BRUKER IFS 88
Technique
NIR Spectrometer= INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS=INST=BRUKER,RSN=6895,REO=2,CNM=HEI,ZFF=2
Source of Spectrum
Prof. Buback, University of Goettingen, Germany
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
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Instrument Name
BRUKER IFS 88
Technique
NIR Spectrometer= INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS=INST=BRUKER,RSN=6895,REO=2,CNM=HEI,ZFF=2
Source of Spectrum
Prof. Buback, University of Goettingen, Germany
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
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5.3.4 Vapor Phase IR Spectra

Source of Spectrum
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Source of Sample
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Catalog Number
T58300
Copyright
Copyright © 2021-2024 Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. - Database Compilation Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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7 Chemical Vendors

8 Drug and Medication Information

8.1 Drug Indication

Trolamine is used as an alkalizing agent, surfactant, and counter-ion in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It is not considered to be an active pharmacological ingredient and so has no official indication.

8.2 FDA National Drug Code Directory

8.3 Drug Labels

Drug and label
Active ingredient and drug

8.4 Clinical Trials

8.4.1 ClinicalTrials.gov

8.5 Therapeutic Uses

/EXPL THER/ This multicentered phase III trial was designed to compare an emulsion containing trolamine against the usual supportive care within each participating institution for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Patients with biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: prophylactic trolamine emulsion, interventional trolamine emulsion, or declared institutional preference. The primary outcome was the reduction in grade 2 or higher skin toxicity, as per National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria version 2.0. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported quality of life (QOL). From October 2000 to April 2002, 547 patients from 51 institutions were entered onto the trial. The average age was 59 years. Patients were predominately male (79%) and most continued to use tobacco products (52%). The rates of grade 2 or higher radiation dermatitis were 79%, 77%, and 79% in the prophylactic, interventional, and institutional preference arms of the study, respectively. No significant differences in QOL were found. The results of this trial demonstrate no advantage for the use of trolamine in reducing the incidence of grade 2 or higher radiation dermatitis or improving patient-reported QOL. The use of 15 different local standards of care highlights the need to continue research that will result in evidence-based recommendations to reduce the burden of radiation dermatitis.
Elliott EA et al; J Clin Oncol 24 (13): 2092-7 (2006)
Triethanolamine salicylate has also been used as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. Triethanolamine USP is also used as a pharmaceutical adjuvant or alkalizing agent, and in combination with a fatty acid (e.g., oleic acid, stearic acid) as an emulsifier (the triethanolamine soap formed lowers the surface tension of the aqueous phase). /Triethanolamine salicylate/
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V4 785

8.6 Reported Fatal Dose

2= Slightly toxic: Probable oral lethal dose (human) 5-15 g/kg, between 1 pint & 1 qt for 70 kg person (150 lb).
Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984., p. II-106

9 Food Additives and Ingredients

9.1 FDA Substances Added to Food

Used for (Technical Effect)
MALTING OR FERMENTING AID

10 Pharmacology and Biochemistry

10.1 Pharmacodynamics

Acts as a surfactant or alkalizing agent to aid in emulsification and solubilizing of compounds or in raising the pH of a solution

10.2 ATC Code

D - Dermatologicals

D03 - Preparations for treatment of wounds and ulcers

D03A - Cicatrizants

D03AX - Other cicatrizants

D03AX12 - Trolamine

10.3 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption
Dermal absorption of trolamine increases with the dose. This has been found to range from 19-28% in rats with doses of 68-276 mg/kg in 190 μL of acetone without occlusion and from 60-80% in mice with doses of 79-1120 mg/kg in the same volume of acetone.
Route of Elimination
When orally administered to rats, the 53% of the trolamine dose was found to be excreted in the urine and 20% in the feces. 98% was excreted in the urine with intravenous administration.
The elimination of 14(C)triethanolamine from the blood of mice administered 1.0 mg/kg bw iv showed first-order biphasic kinetics with a rapid (0.58-hr half life) and a slow phase (10.2-hr half-life). The slow phase half-lives for elimination of triethanolamine in mice after dermal exposure to 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw in acetone were 9.7 hr and 18.6 hr. Skin absorption rates (as blood concentration-time curves) after dermal application of aqueous and neat 14(C)triethanolamine to mouse skin (2000 mg/kg bw, enclosed by a glass ring) showed no significant change with the use of water as the vehicle.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V77 389 (2000)
In a dermal pharmacokinetic study, (14)C-triethanolamine was absorbed more slowly and less extensively in F344 rats than in C3H/HeJ mice. 48 hr after dermal application of (14)C-triethanolamine to mice (1,000 mg/kg dose), about 60% of the radioactivity was recovered from the urine and about 20% was recovered in the feces; less than 10% of the radioactivity was found in skin at the site of application. It was concluded that triethanolamine does not undergo extensive biotransformation in mice, since greater than 95% of the radioactivity recovered from the urine was identified as the parent compound.
Snyder, R. (ed.). Ethel Browning's Toxicity and Metabolism of Industrial Solvents. 2nd ed. Volume II: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Solvents. Amsterdam-New York-Oxford: Elsevier, 1990., p. 443
Triethanolamine was rapidly absorbed in orally dosed rats, and subsequently excreted mainly as unchanged parent compound in the urine. 24 hr after oral administration of triethanolamine (single dose of 2-3 mg/kg), 53% and 20% of the administered dose was recovered as the parent compound in the urine and feces, respectively.
Snyder, R. (ed.). Ethel Browning's Toxicity and Metabolism of Industrial Solvents. 2nd ed. Volume II: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Solvents. Amsterdam-New York-Oxford: Elsevier, 1990., p. 443
...After single oral administration to male rats, the excretion ratios of unchanged /triethanolamine/ in the urine and feces for one day were 53% and 20% of the dose, respectively.
Kohri N et al; Arch Pract Pharm 42: 342-348 (1982)
For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

10.4 Metabolism / Metabolites

Trolamine is excreted mostly as the unchanged compound. No diethanolamine or ethanolamine has been found. Very small amounts of trolamine glucuronide have been detected but not quantified.
...N-nitrosodiethanolamine, known carcinogen and mutagen, ...may not be the main mutagenic product.
Hoshino H, Tanooka H; Cancer Res 38 (11): 3918-21 (1978)
After multiple oral administration to male and female rats, triethanolamine was mainly excreted unchanged. The urinary and fecal excretion ratio of unchanged triethanolamine remained constant throughout the treatment period (for five to six days) in both males and females. A small amount of triethanolamine (1.4-2.7%) was excreted as glucuronide conjugates.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V77 390 (2000)
The biotransformation of 14(C)triethanolamine to monoethanolamine and diethanolamine was specifically investigated in mice after both intravenous and dermal treatments. Neither of the hypothetical metabolites was detected in urine (by mass spectral analysis), whereas more than 95% of the radioactivity detected in urine was identified as unchanged triethanolamine. In vitro, triethanolamine had an inhibitory effect on the incorporation of 32(P)phosphate into phospholipids from rabbit and human tissues. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenasedependent oxidative N-dealkylation of triethanolamine does occur in microorganisms, with formation of diethanolamine, ethanolamine and glyoxylate as reaction products.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V77 389 (2000)
To determine potential nitrosation of triethanolamine (TEA) to N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) at different physiological conditions of the GI tract, in vitro NDELA formation was examined in aqueous reaction mixtures at several pHs (2-10) adjusted with acetic, sulfuric or hydrochloric acids or in cultures of mouse cecal microflora incubated. In vivo NDELA formation was also determined in blood, ingesta, and urine of female B6C3F1 mice after repeated dermal, most relevant human route, or single oral exposure to 1000 mg/kg TEA in the presence of high oral dosages of NaNO(2). Appropriate diethanolamine (DEA) controls were included to account for this impurity in the TEA used. Samples were analyzed for NDELA using GC/MS. The highest degree of nitrosation of TEA to NDELA (approximately 3%) was observed in the in vitro cultures at pH 4 and acetic acid with lower amounts obtained using sulphuric acid ( pproximately 1.3%) and hydrochloric acid (approximately 1.2%). At pH 7, <1% of the TEA was nitrosated to NDELA and at pH 2 (HCl) or pH 10 (NaOH) no NDELA was found above the limit of detection. In incubated cultures containing cecal microflora and nutrient broth, only 0.68% of TEA was nitrosated to NDELA. No NDELA was formed in rats repeatedly dermally dosed with TEA at the limits of detection in blood (0.001 ug/mL, ppm), ingesta (0.006 ug/mL, ppm), and urine (0.47 ug/mL, ppm). Levels of NDELA measured in blood and ingesta after a single oral dose of TEA and NaNO(2) were less than those in DEA controls. These findings in toto confirm the lack of any significant formation of NDELA from TEA in vivo.
Saghir SA et al; Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 43 (1): 10-8 (2005)
For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

10.5 Biological Half-Life

The elimination of 14(C)triethanolamine from the blood of mice administered 1.0 mg/kg bw intravenously showed first-order biphasic kinetics with a rapid (0.58-hr half life) and a slow phase (10.2-hr half-life). The slow phase half-lives for elimination of triethanolamine in mice after dermal exposure to 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw in acetone were 9.7 hr and 18.6 hr.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V77 389 (2000)
The blood half-life of triethanolamine equivalents after iv injection (1 mg/kg) or dermal application (1000 mg/kg) of (14)C-triethanolamine in mice was about 9.5 hr.
Snyder, R. (ed.). Ethel Browning's Toxicity and Metabolism of Industrial Solvents. 2nd ed. Volume II: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Solvents. Amsterdam-New York-Oxford: Elsevier, 1990., p. 443

10.6 Mechanism of Action

As an amine, trolamine is capable of accepting a hydrogen to form hydroxide and a conjugate acid. This raises the pH of the solution. As a surfactant, it can lower the interfacial tension in a mixture or solution to prevent separation of emulsions or precipitation of a compound out of solution.

10.7 Human Metabolite Information

10.7.1 Tissue Locations

Placenta

10.7.2 Cellular Locations

  • Cytoplasm
  • Extracellular

10.8 Transformations

11 Use and Manufacturing

11.1 Uses

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link
CIR ingredient: Triethanolamine
EPA CPDat Chemical and Product Categories
The Chemical and Products Database, a resource for exposure-relevant data on chemicals in consumer products, Scientific Data, volume 5, Article number: 180125 (2018), DOI:10.1038/sdata.2018.125
Sources/Uses
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 gases and sour crude petroleum, in cement production (milling process and to improve the flow and setting properties), as lubricant additive, initiator for poly triol production, and pharmaceutic aid (alkalizing agent; [HSDB] Used as an emulsifier and surfactant in various cleaning products, polishes, metalworking fluids, paints, and printing inks, and as an alkalinizing agent in personal care products; [REPROTOX] Used as stabilizer or inhibitor in pre-emergence pesticides; [ExPub: EPA - TSCATS] Used in the chemical, fuel, leather processing, paper-pulp-board, paints-lacquers-varnishes, polymers, photographic, textile processing, cosmetics, construction, extraction, refining, and processing of metals, and personal-domestic use industries; Used to make herbicides and polyurethane foam, as an anti-freeze agent, construction materials additive, corrosion inhibitor, intermediate, lubricant and additive, laboratory chemical, dustbinding agent, pH regulator, photochemical, surface-active agent, process regulator, tanning agent, vulcanizing agent, catalyst, additive in metal working fluids, in cement grinding, and gas purification; [IUCLID]
REPROTOX - Scialli AR, Lione A, Boyle Padgett GK. Reproductive Effects of Chemical, Physical, and Biological Agents. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995.
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure

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]

For triethanolamine (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 004208) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on Triethanolamine (102-71-6). Available from, as of June 28, 2016: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/
The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."
United States Environmental Protection Agency/ Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Status of Pesticides in Registration, Reregistration, and Special Review. (1998) EPA 738-R-98-002, p. 282
Chemical intermediate for salts of fatty acids (anionic surfactants), alkyl benzenesulfonate anionic surfactants, alkyl sulfates (anionic surfactants), herbicide 2,4-d triethanolamine salt, herbicide triethanolamine-copper complex; solvent for natural rubber
SRI
Intermediate in the manufacture of surface active agents, textile specialties, waxes, polishes, herbicides, petroleum demulsifiers, toilet goods, cement additives, cutting oils. In making emulsions with mineral and vegetable oils, paraffin and waxes. Solvent for casein, shellac, dyes; manufacturing synthetic resins; increasing the penetration of organic liquids into wood and paper. In the production of lubricants for the textile industry. Pharmaceutic aid (alkalizer).
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791
For more Uses (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

11.1.1 Use Classification

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Specialized Industrial Chemicals
Safer Chemical Classes -> Yellow triangle Yellow triangle - The chemical has met Safer Choice Criteria for its functional ingredient-class, but has some hazard profile issues
Fragrance Ingredients
Plastics -> Other functions -> Pigment
S47 | ECHAPLASTICS | A list from the Plastic Additives Initiative Mapping Exercise by ECHA | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2658139
Cosmetics -> Buffering
S13 | EUCOSMETICS | Combined Inventory of Ingredients Employed in Cosmetic Products (2000) and Revised Inventory (2006) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2624118
Plastics -> Other stabilisers
S47 | ECHAPLASTICS | A list from the Plastic Additives Initiative Mapping Exercise by ECHA | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2658139
Plastics -> Polymer Type -> N.a.
S47 | ECHAPLASTICS | A list from the Plastic Additives Initiative Mapping Exercise by ECHA | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2658139

11.1.2 Industry Uses

  • Lubricating agent
  • Chemical reaction regulator
  • Processing aids, not otherwise listed
  • Paint additives and coating additives not described by other categories
  • Surfactant (surface active agent)
  • Cleaning agent
  • Anti-freeze agent
  • Soil amendments (fertilizers)
  • Dye
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified
  • Waterproofing agent
  • Corrosion inhibitor
  • Hardener
  • Intermediates
  • Adhesives and sealant chemicals
  • Intermediate
  • Solvent
  • Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture)
  • Plasticizers
  • Defoamer
  • Surface modifier
  • Lubricants and lubricant additives

11.1.3 Consumer Uses

  • Intermediates
  • Adhesives and sealant chemicals
  • Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  • Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture)
  • Plasticizers
  • Other (specify)
  • Lubricants and lubricant additives
  • Processing aids, not otherwise listed
  • Anti-freeze agent
  • Dye
  • Soil amendments (fertilizers)
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified
  • Corrosion inhibitor

11.1.4 Household Products

California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP)

Cosmetics product ingredient: Triethanolamine

Source: Triethanolamine is a synthetic compound similar in structure to diethanoloamine. It is used in cosmetic products to help the ingredients mix together and flow well.

Potential health impacts: People may be exposed to triethanolamine by skin contact or ingestion. Triethanolamine may be a skin irritant, particularly for individuals previously sensitized. Triethanoloamine is not considered a carcinogen. However, triethanolamine may be contaminated with trace amounts of diethanolamine, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers a possible human carcinogen.

Product count: 502

Household & Commercial/Institutional Products

Information on 617 consumer products that contain Triethanolamine in the following categories is provided:

• Auto Products

• Commercial / Institutional

• Home Maintenance

• Home Office

• Inside the Home

• Landscaping/Yard

• Personal Care

• Pet Care

11.2 Methods of Manufacturing

Ethanolamines are produced on an industrial scale exclusively by reaction of ethylene oxide with excess ammonia, this excess being considerable in some cases. The reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia takes place slowly and is accelerated by water. Anhydrous procedures employ a fixed-bed catalyst consisting of an organic ion-exchange resin or thermally more stable acidic inorganic clays or zeolites. In all conventional processes, reaction takes place in the liquid phase, and the reactor pressure is usually sufficiently large to prevent vaporization of ammonia and ethylene oxide at the reaction temperature. In current procedures, ammonia concentrations in water between 50 and 100%, pressures up to 16 MPa, reaction temperatures up to 150 °C, and an excess up to 40 mol of ammonia per mole of ethylene oxide are used. The reaction is highly exothermic; the enthalpy of reaction is about 125 kJ per mole of ethylene oxide. ... Product distribution of the three ethanolamines can be controlled by appropriate choice of the ammonia:ethylene oxide ratio. A higher diethanolamine or triethanolamine content can also be obtained by recycling monoethanolamine or diethanolamine to the reactor or by treating them with ethylene oxide in a separate unit. ... In all industrial processes, complete conversion to the three ethanolamines, without significant formation of byproducts, is achieved.
Frauenkron M et al; Ethanolamines and Propanolamines. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 7th ed. (1999-2016). NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: September 15, 2001
Produced along with mono- and diethanolamine by ammonolysis of ethylene oxide.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1791
Triethanolamine is produced by reacting 3 moles of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of ammonia; additional ethylene oxide will continue to react to produce higher ethylene oxide adducts of triethanolamine. Typically, ethylene oxide is reacted with ammonia in a batch process to produce a crude mixture of approximately one-third each ethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine. The crude mixture is later separated by distillation.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Amended Final Safety Assessment: Triethanolamine and Triethanolamine-Containing Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics (October 17, 2011); Available from, as of June 14, 2016: https://www.alegesanatos.ro/dbimg/files/Triethanolamine%20-%20Triethanolamine.pd

11.3 Formulations / Preparations

All the ethanolamines and isopropanolamines except monoisopropanolamine are available in low freezing grades, to provide liquid handling at room temperature. /Alkanolamines/
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present., p. V2 2 (1992)
Commercial product contains up to 25% diethanolamine and up to 5% monoethanolamine. ... Grades: technical; regular; 98%; USP.
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 1270
A flame retardant finish for cotton contains 3% triethanolamine
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V10 433
Opaque sunscreens contain 0.5 wt% of triethanolamine
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V7 154
For more Formulations/Preparations (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

11.4 Consumption Patterns

Detergents (including textile, toilet goods, metal and other specialty surfactants), 35%; gas conditioning and petroleum use, 30%; metal working, 15%; textiles, 10%; miscellaneous (including agricultural intermediates and cement grinding aids) and exports, 10% (1984) /ethanolamines/
CHEMICAL PROFILE: ETHANOLAMINES, 1984
Surfactants, 40%; gas purification, 25%; metals, 17%; textiles, 8%; other, including cement grinding oils, agricultural chemicals, 10% (mono-, di- and triethanolamines)
CHEMICAL PROFILE: ETHANOLAMINES, 9/28/92

11.5 U.S. Production

Aggregated Product Volume

2019: 250,000,000 - <500,000,000 lb

2018: 250,000,000 - <500,000,000 lb

2017: 250,000,000 - <500,000,000 lb

2016: 250,000,000 - <500,000,000 lb

(1972) 4.57X10+10 G
SRI
(1975) 4.06X10+10 G
SRI
(1984) 6.34X10+10 g
USITC. SYN ORG CHEM-U.S. PROD/SALES 1984 p.254
1992 sales: 81.38 million kilograms valued at $79,092,000.
United States International Trade Commission. Synthetic Organic Chemicals - United States Production and Sales, 1992. USITC Publication 2720, Feb. 1994 Washington, D.C.: United States Trade Commission, 1994., p. 3-133
For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

11.6 U.S. Imports

(1972) 6.36X10+7 G (MONO, DI & TRI)
SRI
(1975) 2.03X10+9 G(MONO, DI, TRIETHANOLAMINES)
SRI
(1984) 1.40X10+9 g/MONO, DI, AND TRIETHANOLAMINE/
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION AND GENERAL IMPORTS 1984 p.1-355
(1991) 17 million pounds (mono-, di- and triethanolamines)
CHEMICAL PROFILE: ETHANOLAMINES, 9/28/92

11.7 U.S. Exports

(1991) 230 million pounds (mono-, di- and triethanolamines)
CHEMICAL PROFILE: ETHANOLAMINES, 9/28/92

11.8 General Manufacturing Information

Industry Processing Sectors
  • All Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing
  • Oil and Gas Drilling, Extraction, and Support activities
  • Construction
  • Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing
  • Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing
  • Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  • Non-metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing (includes clay, glass, cement, concrete, lime, gypsum, and other non-metallic mineral product manufacturing)
  • Plastics Product Manufacturing
  • Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
  • Paper Manufacturing
  • Utilities
  • Wood Product Manufacturing
  • Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
  • Paint and Coating Manufacturing
  • All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing
  • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
  • Other (requires additional information)
  • Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing
  • Miscellaneous Manufacturing
  • Wholesale and Retail Trade
EPA TSCA Commercial Activity Status
Ethanol, 2,2',2''-nitrilotris-: ACTIVE
General industry production ratios are triethanolamine 37%; monoethanolamine 32% and diethanolamine 31%
CHEMICAL PROFILE: ETHANOLAMINES, 1984
Annual capacity = 1,035 million pounds
SRI. 1994 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International, 1994., p. 588
Migration of cellulose acetate constituents into contact fluids was found to be negligible (traces). At 40 °C, ... /triethanolamine/ was discovered in the extract in concentration of 1.4 mg/L and was therefore subsequently eliminated from cellulose acetate formulation.
Sheftel, V.O.; Indirect Food Additives and Polymers. Migration and Toxicology. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL. 2000., p. 617
Triethanolamine is listed in the CWC /Chemical Weapons Convention/ Annex on Chemicals under Schedule 3.
OWPC; Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and Their Destruction. Annex on Chemicals. Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Available from, as of October 6, 2016: https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention/
/The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is an international treaty which bans the development, production, stockpiling, and transfer or use of chemical weapons. The Convention mandates the destruction and prohibition of chemical weapons and related facilities and provides for restrictions on international trade in toxic chemicals and precursors./ The Convention's monitoring and verification measures involve submission of declarations regarding ... /Schedule 1, 2, and 3 chemicals/ and inspections by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons of the facilities where these chemicals are produced. ... Schedule 1 lists chemicals considered to pose a high risk to the object and purpose of the Convention by virtue of their high potential for use in activities prohibited by the CWC. These chemicals have little or no use for peaceful purposes in commercial or industrial trade. ... Schedule 1 also lists precursor chemicals that may be used in the final single technological stage of production of any of the toxic chemicals listed in the schedule
OPWC; Fact Sheet 7, Monitoring Chemicals with Possible Chemical Weapons Applications. Org Prohibition Chem Weapons. Available from, as of April 15, 2008: https://www.opcw.org/news-publications/

12 Identification

12.1 Analytic Laboratory Methods

NIOSH Method 3509 Aminoethanol Compounds II Issue 5/15/89. Ion chromatography, ion pairing. Working range 0.1-5 ppm for 100 mL sample. Limit of detection 0.02 mg/sample, limit of quantitation 0.06 mg/sample.
NIOSH
Method: OSHA PV2141; Procedure: gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector; Analyte: triethanolamine; Matrix: air; Detection Limit: 420 ug/cu m.
U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Index of Sampling and Analytical Methods. Triethanolamine (102-71-6). Available from, as of June 29, 2016: https://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/toc.html
Method: EPA-RCA 8321B; Procedure: high performance liquid chromatography-thermospray-mass spectrometry (HPLC-TSP-MS) or ultraviolet (UV) detection; Analyte: triethanolamine; Matrix: various; Detection Limit: not provided.
National Environmental Methods Index; Analytical, Test and Sampling Methods. Triethanolamine (102-71-6). Available from, as of June 29, 2016: https://www.nemi.gov
... Alkanolamines are analyzed by gas chromatography or wet test methods. /Alkanolamines/
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present., p. V2 11 (1992)
For more Analytic Laboratory Methods (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

12.2 Clinical Laboratory Methods

The nitrogen mustards bis(2-chloroethyl)ethylamine (HN1), bis(2-chloroethyl)methylamine (HN2), and tris(2-chloroethyl)amine (HN3) have the potential to be used as chemical terrorism agents because of their extreme vesicant properties. We modified a previously reported method to incorporate automated solid-phase extraction, improve chromatography, and include the urinary metabolite for HN3. The improved method was used to measure levels of the urinary metabolites N-ethyldiethanolamine (EDEA), N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) in rats dosed with HN1, HN2, and HN3, respectively, and to establish background levels of EDEA, MDEA, and TEA in human urine samples from a population with no known exposure to nitrogen mustards. Rat dosing experiments confirmed that EDEA, MDEA, and TEA could be detected in urine for at least 48 h after exposure to HN1, HN2, and HN3, respectively. Substantial amounts of EDEA (89 ng/mL), MDEA (170 ng/mL), and TEA (1105 ng/mL) were measured in the urine of rats exposed to 10 mg HN1, HN2, and HN3, respectively, 48 h after exposure. The background concentrations for TEA in the human population ranged from below the limit of detection (LOD 3 ng/mL) to approximately 6500 ng/mL. Neither EDEA (LOD 0.4 ng/mL) nor MDEA (LOD 0.8 ng/mL) was detected above the LOD in the human samples.
Lemire SW et al; J Anal Toxicol 28 (5): 320-6 (2004)

12.3 NIOSH Analytical Methods

13 Safety and Hazards

13.1 Hazards Identification

13.1.1 GHS Classification

1 of 4
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Note
This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 80.1% (4833 of 6037) of all reports. Pictograms displayed are for 19.9% (1204 of 6037) of reports that indicate hazard statements.
Pictogram(s)
Irritant
Signal
Warning
GHS Hazard Statements
H319 (18.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
Precautionary Statement Codes

P264+P265, P280, P305+P351+P338, and P337+P317

(The corresponding statement to each P-code can be found at the GHS Classification page.)

ECHA C&L Notifications Summary

Aggregated GHS information provided per 6037 reports by companies from 39 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 4833 of 6037 reports by companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

There are 35 notifications provided by 1204 of 6037 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown.

13.1.2 Hazard Classes and Categories

Eye Irrit. 2 (18.5%)

Eye irritation - category 2A

Skin irritation - category 2

Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) - category 3

13.1.3 NFPA Hazard Classification

1 of 2
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NFPA 704 Diamond
2-1-0
NFPA Health Rating
2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
NFPA Fire Rating
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.
NFPA Instability Rating
0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.

13.1.4 EPA Safer Chemical

Chemical: Triethanolamine

Yellow triangle Yellow triangle - The chemical has met Safer Choice Criteria for its functional ingredient-class, but has some hazard profile issues. Specifically, a chemical with this code is not associated with a low level of hazard concern for all human health and environmental endpoints. (See Safer Choice Criteria). While it is a best-in-class chemical and among the safest available for a particular function, the function fulfilled by the chemical should be considered an area for safer chemistry innovation.

13.1.5 Health Hazards

Liquid may irritate eyes and skin. (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

13.1.6 Fire Hazards

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Poisonous gases, such as NOx, may be produced (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

13.1.7 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; [OECD SIDS] An eye irritant; May cause skin sensitization; Chronic exposure may cause liver and kidney injury; [Fisher Scientific MSDS]
Marks - Marks JG, DeLeo VA. Contact and Occupational Dermatology, 2nd Ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1997., p. 159-60
ACGIH - Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs, 7th Ed. Cincinnati: ACGIH Worldwide, 2020.

13.1.8 Fire Potential

Fire hazard: Combustible liquid when exposed to heat or flame.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3568

13.1.9 Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Irritations

Triethanolamine has been identified as causing allergic contact dermatitis, erythematous vesicular lesions, eczema, contact dermatitis, and irritation in workers exposed to triethanolamine in their occupations.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs with Other World Wide Occupational Exposure Values. 7th Ed. CD-ROM Cincinnati, OH 45240-1634 2013., p. 3
Undiluted triethanolamine ... /is/ slightly to moderately irritating to the skin. A burn may result from prolonged and repeated contact.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present., p. V2 13 (1992)
Undiluted triethanolamine ... and concentrated solutions have an irritating action on the eyes, but only slight transient or no corneal injury would be expected.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present., p. V2 13 (1992)

13.2 Safety and Hazard Properties

13.2.1 Critical Temperature & Pressure

Critical temperature = 514.3 °C; critical pressure = 24.2 mm Hg
Riddick, J.A., W.B. Bunger, Sakano T.K. Techniques of Chemistry 4th ed., Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons., 1985., p. 706

13.2.2 Explosive Limits and Potential

Explosive limits , vol% in air: 3.6-7.2

13.3 First Aid Measures

Inhalation First Aid
Fresh air, rest.
Skin First Aid
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eye First Aid
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion First Aid
Give one or two glasses of water to drink.

13.3.1 First Aid

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. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.4 Fire Fighting

Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Water or foam may cause frothing.

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Alcohol foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (USCG, 1999)

U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Use water in large amounts, alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide.

13.4.1 Fire Fighting Procedures

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
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.
U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.

13.5 Accidental Release Measures

13.5.1 Spillage Disposal

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered containers as far as possible. Then wash away with plenty of water.

13.5.2 Cleanup Methods

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.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Overspread sufficient sodium bisulfate and sprinkle water. Drain into a sewer with abundant water.
ITII. Toxic and Hazardous Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual. Tokyo, Japan: The International Technical Information Institute, 1988., p. 542

13.5.3 Disposal Methods

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.
Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for Triethylene glycol: Concentration process: Activated carbon.
USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No.68-03-2766 p.E-3-E-22 (1982)

13.5.4 Preventive Measures

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Appropriate engineering controls: General industrial hygiene practice.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

13.6 Handling and Storage

13.6.1 Nonfire Spill Response

Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Dilute with water (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

13.6.2 Safe Storage

Separated from oxidants. Well closed. Dry.

13.6.3 Storage Conditions

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Hygroscopic.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.7 Exposure Control and Personal Protection

Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAK)
1.0 [mg/m3], inhalable fraction[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

13.7.1 Threshold Limit Values (TLV)

5.0 [mg/m3]
8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 5 mg/cu m.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH 2016, p. 59
Peak Exposure Recommendation: Transient increases in workers' exposure levels may exceed 3 times the value of the TLV-TWA level for no more than 15 minutes at a time, on no more than 4 occasions spaced 1 hour apart during a workday, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the value of the TLV-TWA level. In addition, the 8-hour TWA is not to be exceeded for an 8-hour work period.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH 2016, p. 5
TLV-TWA (Time Weighted Average)
5 mg/m³ [1990]

13.7.2 Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL)

MAK (Maximale Arbeitsplatz Konzentration)
(inhalable fraction): 1 mg/m

13.7.3 Inhalation Risk

Evaporation at 20 °C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

13.7.4 Effects of Short Term Exposure

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

13.7.5 Effects of Long Term Exposure

Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.

13.7.6 Allowable Tolerances

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.
40 CFR 180.920 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of June 27, 2016: https://www.ecfr.gov

13.7.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Goggles or face shield; rubber gloves and boots. (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Eye/face protection: Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
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.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection not required. For nuisance exposures use type OV/AG (US) or type ABEK (EU EN 14387) respirator cartridges. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.7.8 Preventions

Fire Prevention
NO open flames.
Exposure Prevention
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!
Inhalation Prevention
Use local exhaust. Use ventilation.
Skin Prevention
Protective gloves.
Eye Prevention
Wear safety goggles.
Ingestion Prevention
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

13.8 Stability and Reactivity

13.8.1 Air and Water Reactions

Water soluble.

13.8.2 Reactive Group

Alcohols and Polyols

Amines, Phosphines, and Pyridines

13.8.3 Reactivity Profile

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].

13.8.4 Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities

Incompatible materials: Acids, oxidizing agents.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Triethanolamine. Product Number: 90279 Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/24/2016). Available from, as of July 1, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
...Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3568

13.9 Regulatory Information

The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals
Chemical: Ethanol, 2,2',2''-nitrilotris-
REACH Registered Substance
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status
Triethanolamine: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

13.9.1 DHS Chemicals of Interest (COI)

Chemicals of Interest(COI)
Triethanolamine
Theft: Minimum Concentration (%)
80
Theft: Screening Threshold Quantities (in pounds unless otherwise noted)
220
Security Issue: Theft - CWI/CWP
Chemical Weapons/Chemical Weapons Precursors chemical material that, if stolen or diverted, can be converted into weapons using simple chemistry, equipment, or techniques.

13.9.2 TSCA Requirements

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.
40 CFR 716.120 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of June 27, 2016: https://www.ecfr.gov

13.9.3 FIFRA Requirements

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.
40 CFR 180.920 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of June 27, 2016: https://www.ecfr.gov
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. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA, as amended in 1988, were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern and List D pesticides of less concern. Triethanolamine is found on List C. Case No: 3145; Pesticide type: Insecticide, Antimicrobial; Case Status: No products containing the pesticide are actively registered ... The case /is characterized/ as "cancelled." Under FIFRA, pesticide producers may voluntarily cancel their registered products. EPA also may cancel pesticide registrations if registrants fail to pay required fees or make/meet certain reregistration commitments, or if EPA reaches findings of unreasonable adverse effects.; Active ingredient (AI): Triethanolamine; AI Status: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."
USEPA/OPP; Status of Pesticides in Registration, Reregistration and Special Review p.282 (Spring, 1998) EPA 738-R-98-002

13.10 Other Safety Information

Chemical Assessment

IMAP assessments - Ethanol, 2,2',2''-nitrilotris-: Human health tier II assessment

Evaluation - Chemicals that are unlikely to require further regulation to manage risks to environment

13.10.1 Toxic Combustion Products

Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
IPCS, CEC; International Chemical Safety Card on Triethanolamine. (March 1995). Available from, as of November 5, 2003: https://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics1034.htm

13.10.2 Special Reports

Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Int J Toxicol 32 (3 Suppl): 59S-83S (2013)[Available from, as of July 26, 2016: http://www.cir-safety.org/ingredients]
Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies of Triethanolamine in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice p.6 Technical Report Series No. 449 (1999) NIH Publication No. 00-3365 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Fiume MM et al; Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol 32 (3 Suppl): 59S-83S (2013)

14 Toxicity

14.1 Toxicological Information

14.1.1 Toxicity Summary

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Triethanolamine (TEA) is a colorless, or pale yellow viscous liquid. Triethanolamine is used in the manufacture of emulsifiers and dispersing agents for textile specialties, agricultural chemicals, waxes, mineral and vegetable oils, paraffin, polishes, cutting oils, petroleum demulsifiers, and cement additives. It is an intermediate for resins, plasticizers, and rubber chemicals. It is used as a lubricant in the textile industry, as a humectant and softening agent for hides, as an alkalizing agent and surfactant in pharmaceuticals, as an absorbent for acid gases, and in organic syntheses. It can be useful for rapid detection and identification of chemical warfare agents. TEA has been tested as experimental therapy. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Triethanolamine produce mild skin irritation only in concentrations above 5%. It has not been shown to be a sensitizer. Triethanolamine has been identified as causing allergic contact dermatitis, erythematous vesicular lesions, eczema, contact dermatitis, and irritation in workers exposed to triethanolamine in their occupations. A total of 1,357 patients suspected of having allergic eczematous contact dermatitis were patch-tested with triethanolamine. Positive tests were obtained in 41 of these 1,357 patients. The ingestion of several ounces of triethanolamine can probably be tolerated by man, but unless the liquid is partly neutralized with acid, alkali burns of the mouth, pharynx and esophagus are likely. Three cases of occupational asthma caused by ethanolamines were summarized. The three cases share one common feature: exposure to triethanolamines occurred at temperatures higher than that of the ambient air. This agrees with the view that significant inhalation exposure to ethanolamines does not occur when the compounds are used under ambient conditions. ANIMAL STUDIES: Applications of 5 or 10% solution to rabbit or rat skin did not produce irritation. TEA was tested by application of a drop to rabbit eyes. It caused moderate, presumably transient injury, graded 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 after 24 hr, and in another test caused negligible irritation. In a 90-day subacute feeding study with rats, the max dose producing no effect was 80 mg/kg. Microscopic lesions and deaths occurred at 730 mg/kg, and 107 mg/kg produced alterations in liver and kidney weights. Fourteen day repeated dose studies of TEA in rats and mice were performed by inhalation, drinking water, or dermal routes of exposure. Exposures for both species in the inhalation study were 0, 125, 250, 50, 1000 or 2000 mg/cu m, 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk, for 2 wk (10 exposures). The only histopathologic observation was a minimal acute inflammation of the laryngeal submucosa in rats and mice. In the oral study, concentrations of triethanolamine in drinking water (adjusted to pH 7.4) were 0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 mg/100 mL. Water consumption was significantly reduced in the 4 and 8% dose groups of rats and mice. No compound-related gross or microscopic lesions were observed in the liver or kidneys of rats; cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes was observed in the high dose groups of male and female mice. Dose levels of triethanolamine in the dermal study were 0, 140, 280, 560, 1130 and 2250 mg/kg for rats and 0, 210, 430, 840, 1690, and 3370 mg/kg for mice. Triethanolamine was applied as the undiluted compound, 5 days/wk for 2 wk. Chronic active necrotizing inflammation of the skin at the application site was observed at a greater frequency and severity in dosed rats than in dosed mice. A Chernoff-Kavlock teratogenicity screening test was performed using mated female mice, in which the animals were dosed by gavage with 1125 mg/kg/day triethanolamine on days 6-15 of gestation. No adverse developmental effects were observed. In a battery of short-term tests, triethanolamine did not induce mutations in bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, and TA1538 or Escherichia coli strains WP2 and WP2 uvrA in the presence or absence of S-9 fractions prepared from livers of Aroclor-induced rats), mitotic gene conversion in Saccharomyces cerevisae JD1 cells, or chromosomal damage in cultured rat liver RAL4 cells. Triethanolamine was inactive in inducing revertants to histidine prototrophy in the excision repair deficient Bacillus subtilis strain TKJ5211 with or without rat liver S-9 preparations. In 2-year NTP dermal study, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of triethanolamine in male mice based on the occurrence of liver hemangiosarcoma. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity in female mice based on increased incidences of hepatocellular adenoma. Exposure to triethanolamine by dermal application resulted in increased incidences of eosinophilic focus of the liver in males and females. Dosed mice developed treatment-related nonneoplastic lesions at the site of application. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: TEA may produce potential acute, sub-chronic and chronic toxicity effects in aquatic species.

14.1.2 Evidence for Carcinogenicity

Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of triethanolamine. There is inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of triethanolamine. Overall evaluation: Triethanolamine is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V77 398 (2000)

14.1.3 Carcinogen Classification

1 of 4
IARC Carcinogenic Agent
Triethanolamine
IARC Carcinogenic Classes
Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
IARC Monographs
Volume 77: (2000) Some Industrial Chemicals
2 of 4
NTP Technical Report
TR-518: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Triethanolamine (CASRN 102-71-6) in B6C3F1 Mice (Dermal Studies) (2004 )
Peer Review Date
Conclusion for Male Rat
Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex
Conclusion for Female Rat
Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex
Conclusion for Male Mice
Equivocal Evidence Equivocal Evidence
Conclusion for Female Mice
Some Evidence Some Evidence
Summary

Under the conditions of this 2-year dermal study, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of triethanolamine in male B6C3F1 mice based on the occurrence of liver hemangiosarcoma. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity in female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of hepatocellular adenoma.

Exposure to triethanolamine by dermal application resulted in increased incidences of eosinophilic focus of the liver in males and females. Dosed mice developed treatment-related nonneoplastic lesions at the site of application.

3 of 4
NTP Technical Report
TR-449: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Triethanolamine (CASRN 102-71-6) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Dermal Studies) (1999 )
Peer Review Date
Conclusion for Male Rat
Equivocal Evidence Equivocal Evidence
Conclusion for Female Rat
No Evidence No Evidence
Conclusion for Male Mice
Inadequate Experiment Inadequate Experiment
Conclusion for Female Mice
Inadequate Experiment Inadequate Experiment
Summary

Under the conditions of these dermal studies, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of triethanolamine in male F344/N rats based on a marginal increase in the incidence of renal tubule cell adenoma. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in female F344/N rats receiving 63, 125, or 250 mg triethanolamine per kilogram body weight. The study in male and female B6C3F1 mice was considered inadequate , because the presence of a Helicobacter hepaticus infection complicated inter pretation of the relationship between triethanolamine administration and liver neoplasms in these animals.

Dosed rats and mice had varying degrees of acanthosis and inflammation, dosed rats had ulceration, and dosed female rats had epidermal erosion at the site of skin application.

4 of 4
Carcinogen Classification
3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (L135)

14.1.4 Exposure Routes

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.

14.1.5 Symptoms

Inhalation Exposure
Cough. Sore throat.
Skin Exposure
Redness.

14.1.6 Adverse Effects

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

Asthma - Reversible bronchoconstriction (narrowing of bronchioles) initiated by the inhalation of irritating or allergenic agents.

14.1.7 Acute Effects

14.1.8 Interactions

...Triethanolamine was not mutagenic to Bacillus subtilis by itself, but it became mutagenic after reacting with sodium nitrite under acidic conditions or when the mixture was heated.
Hoshino H, Tanooka H; Cancer Res 38 (11): 3918-21 (1978)
Cutting fluids are widely used in the metal-machining industry to lubricate and reduce heat generation when metals are cut by a metal-cutting tool. These cutting fluids have caused occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD), and many of the additives used in these cutting fluid mixtures are thought to be responsible for OICD in workers. The purpose of this study was to assess single or various combinations of these additives in initiating the OICD response following an acute 8-hour exposure in porcine skin in vivo and in vitro using the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK). Pigs (n = 4) were exposed to 5% mineral oil (MO) or 5% polyethylene glycol (PEG) aqueous mixtures containing various combinations of 2% triazine (TRI), 5% triethanolamine (TEA), 5% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), or 5% sulfurized ricinoleic acid (SRA). Erythema and edema were evaluated and skin biopsies for histopathology were obtained at 4 and 8 hours. IPPSFs (n = 4) were exposed to control MO or PEG mixtures and complete MO or PEG mixtures, and perfusate samples were collected hourly to determine interleukin- (IL-) 8 release. The only significant (p < 0.05) mixture effects observed in IPPSFs were with SRA + MO that caused an increase in IL-8 release after 1 or 2 hours' exposure. In vivo exposure to TRI alone appeared to increase erythema, edema, and dermal inflammation compared to the other additives, while SRA alone was least likely to initiate a dermal inflammatory response. In 2-component mixture exposures, the presence of TRI appeared to increase the dermal inflammatory response at 4 and 8 hours especially with the PEG mixtures. In the 3- and 4-component mixtures, MO mixtures are more likely to incite an inflammatory response than PEG mixtures. TRI exhibited the highest toxicity toward HEK, which correlates well to the in vivo irritation and morphology results. In summary, these preliminary studies suggest that the biocide, TRI, is the more potent of the 4 performance additives in causing dermal irritation, and this may vary depending on whether the worker is exposed to a synthetic (PEG)- or MO-based fluid. These findings will however require further clinical studies to validate these acute dermal effects as well as human cumulative irritation following exposure to similar cutting fluid formulations in the workplace.
Monteiro-Riviere NA et al; Cutan Ocul Toxicol 25 (4): 235-47 (2006)

14.1.9 Antidote and Emergency Treatment

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Organic bases/amines and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 194
/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patent can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Organic bases/amines and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 194-5
/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. If patient is unresponsive to these measures, vasopressors may be helpful. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Administer 1% solution methylene blue if patient is symptomatic with severe hypoxia, cyanosis, and cardiac compromise not responding to oxygen. ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Organic bases/amines and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 195

14.1.10 Human Toxicity Excerpts

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... Considered to have low acute and chronic toxicity. ... If deleterious effects were to occur in man ... These would probably be acute in nature and due to its alkalinity rather than its inherent toxicity.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V4 785
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Triethanolamine and diethanolamine produce mild skin irritation only in concentrations above 5%; little skin sensitization develops.
Ellenhorn, M.J. and D.G. Barceloux. Medical Toxicology - Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Poisoning. New York, NY: Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc. 1988., p. 907
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Triethanolamine has been identified as causing allergic contact dermatitis, erythematous vesicular lesions, eczema, contact dermatitis, and irritation in workers exposed to triethanolamine in their occupations.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs with Other World Wide Occupational Exposure Values. 7th Ed. CD-ROM Cincinnati, OH 45240-1634 2013., p. 3
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ...A total of 1,357 patients suspected of having allergic eczematous contact dermatitis were patch-tested with triethanolamine. Positive tests were obtained in 41 of these 1,357 patients.
Scheuer B; Hautarzt 34: 126-9 (1983)
For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.11 Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The principal toxic effect in animals has been ascribed to alkalinization (systemic alkalosis), ... /and/ functional signs of transient liver injury have been described in animals after sublethal doses. Gross pathology has been limited to the GI tract in fatal oral poisonings in rats and guinea pigs.
Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984., p. II-106
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Tested by application of a drop to rabbit eyes, ... It caused moderate, presumably transient injury, graded 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 after 24 hr, and in another test caused negligible irritation.
Grant, W.M. Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1986., p. 944
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ When tested on rabbit eyes in 0.023 molar aqueous solutions by continuous application for 15 min after removal of corneal epithelium to facilitate penetration ... solutions adjusted to pH 10 was essentially noninjurious. Same solution adjusted to pH 11 caused moderate corneal swelling and hyperemia of iris and conjunctiva ... .
Grant, W. M. Toxicology of the Eye. 2nd ed. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas, 1974., p. 1050
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The effects observed /in rats and guinea pigs in an acute oral study/ were confined to the GI tract. ...Toxic effects were probably from the alkaline irritation, because larger doses of the neutralized material produced no symptoms at levels where the free base would cause 100% mortality.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V4 786
For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (29 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.12 Non-Human Toxicity Values

LD50 Mice oral 7400 mg/kg
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3568
LD50 Rat oral 8.0 g/kg
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3568
LD50 Mouse ip 1,450 mg/kg
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3568
LD50 Guinea pig oral 5,300 mg/kg
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3568
LD50 Rabbit dermal >20,000 mg/kg
Gillner M, Loeper I; Nord 29: 235-260 (1993)

14.1.13 Ongoing Test Status

EPA has released the Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability (iCSS) Dashboard. The iCSS Dashboard provides an interactive tool to explore rapid, automated (or in vitro high-throughput) chemical screening data generated by the Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) project and the federal Toxicity Testing in the 21st century (Tox21) collaboration. /The title compound was tested by ToxCast and/or Tox21 assays/[USEPA; ICSS Dashboard Application; Available from, as of July 7, 2016: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/]
The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical.[Available from: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=102-71-6]

14.1.14 National Toxicology Program Studies

... 2 Year Study in Rats: ... Triethanolamine doses selected for the 2 yr study in F344/N rats were 32, 63 and 125 mg/kg for males and 63, 125 and 250 mg/kg for females. Groups of 60 male and 60 female rats were topically admin triethanolamine in acetone 5 days/wk for 103 wk. ... 2 Year Study in Mice: ... Triethanolamine doses selected for the 2 yr study in mice were 200, 630 and 2,000 mg/kg for males and 100, 300 and 1,000 mg/kg for females. Groups of 60 male and 60 female mice were topically admin triethanolamine in acetone 5 days/wk for 103 wk. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of these dermal studies, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of triethanolamine in male F344/N rats based on a marginal incr in the incidence renal tubule cell adenoma. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in female F344/N rats receiving 63, 125 or 250 mg triethanolamine/kg body weight. The study in male and female B6C3F1 mice was inadequate, because of the presence of a Helicobacter hepaticus infection complicated interpretation of the relationship between triethanolamine admin and liver neoplasms in these animals.
Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies of Triethanolamine in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice p.6 Technical Report Series No. 449 (1999) NIH Publication No. 00-3365 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
... Although triethanolamine is a skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant, no information could be found on its sensitizing potential. Triethanolamine was ... prepared in an acetone:olive oil mixture (4:1) which also served as the vehicle. Primary irritancy studies indicated that all concentrations of triethanolamine tested (up to 30%) were non-irritating. Female B6C3F1 mice were sensitized dermally to either 3%, 10%, or 30% solutions of triethanolamine daily for 5 consecutive days and challenged 7 days later with a 30% solution. A 0.5% solution of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene ... was used as a positive control. Site preparation included dermabrasion as well as intradermal injections of Freund's complete adjuvant into some mice. ... The irritancy response was determined by monitoring extravasation of 125I-bovine serum albumin into the treated area. The contact hypersensitivity response was assessed by monitoring the infiltration of 125I-iododeoxyuridine labeled cells into the challenge site and the mouse ear swelling test. ... There were no treatment-related effects on survival or body weights. There were no statistically significant or dose-related hypersensitivity responses to triethanolamine observed by either the radioisotopic method or the ear swelling test, with or without Freund's complete adjuvant. The positive response with 0.5% 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene is shown for comparison ... . Under these experimental conditions, no statistically significant group or dose-dependent contact hypersensitivity responses to triethanolamine were observed in mice by dermal exposure.
Department of Health & Human Services/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology Program; The Immunotoxicity of Triethanolamine (CAS No. 102-71-6) Contact Hypersensitivity Studies in Female B6C3F1 Mice, NTP Study No. IMM90005 Available from, as of August 21, 2002: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/index.cfm?objectid=0847E929-E207-E4CD-69CC7D186EEA4F16
Triethanolamine is widely used in the manufacturing of household detergents and polishes, textiles, agricultural herbicides, mineral and vegetable oils, paraffin and waxes, pharmaceutical ointments, petroleum demulsifiers, synthetic resins, plasticizers, adhesives, and sealants. It is used as a chemical intermediate for anionic and nonionic surfactants, a vulcanization accelerator, a humectant and softening agent and in many other industrial applications. The National Cancer Institute nominated triethanolamine for study because of its widespread use in cosmetics and other consumer products, its high potential for worker exposure due to its many industrial uses, and its potential for conversion to the carcinogen N-nitrosodiethanolamine. Previous 3-month and 2-year studies of triethanolamine were conducted by the National Toxicology Program in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice; results from the 2-year rat study indicated equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity based on a marginal increase in the incidence of renal tubule adenoma (NTP, 1991). Interpretation of the results from the 2-year study in mice was complicated by Helicobacter hepaticus infection, prompting a repeat 2-year study in mice. Male and female B6C3F1 mice received triethanolamine (greater than 99% pure) by dermal application for 2 years; a study of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion was performed in additional mice. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells, Drosophila melanogaster, and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 2-YEAR STUDY Groups of 50 male and 50 female mice received dermal applications of 0, 200, 630, or 2,000 mg/kg (males) and 0, 100, 300, or 1,000 mg/kg (females) triethanolamine in acetone, 5 days per week, for 104 (males) or 104 to 105 (females) weeks. Survival of all dosed groups was similar to that of the vehicle control groups. Body weights of 2,000 mg/kg males were less than those of the vehicle controls from weeks 17 to 37 and at the end of the study; body weights of dosed groups of females were similar to those of the vehicle controls throughout the study. Treatment-related clinical findings included skin irritation at the site of application, which increased with increasing dose and was more severe in males than in females. Gross lesions observed at necropsy included nodules and masses of the liver in dosed females. The incidences of hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma (combined) were significantly increased in all dosed groups of females. The incidence of hemangiosarcoma of the liver in 630 mg/kg males was marginally increased. The incidences of eosinophilic focus in all dosed groups of mice were greater than those in the vehicle controls. Gross lesions observed at necropsy included visible crusts at the site of application in all dosed groups of mice. Treatment-related epidermal hyperplasia, suppurative inflammation, ulceration, and dermal chronic inflammation occurred at the site of application in most dosed groups of mice, and the incidences and severities of these lesions generally increased with increasing dose.
NTP; Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Triethanolamine (CAS No. 102-71-6) in B6C3F1 Mice (Dermal Studies) (2004); Available from, as of June 14, 2016: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/pubs/longterm/reports/longterm/tr500580/listedreports/tr518/index.html
GENETIC TOXICOLOGY Triethanolamine was not mutagenic in any of the in vitro or in vivo tests. It did not induce mutations in Salmonella typhimurium, and no induction of sister chromatid exchanges or chromosomal aberrations was noted in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells exposed to triethanolamine. These in vitro tests were all conducted with and without S9 metabolic activation. Triethanolamine did not induce sex-linked recessive lethal mutations in germ cells of adult male Drosophila melanogaster exposed by feeding or injection. No increase in the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes was observed in peripheral blood samples of male or female mice that received dermal applications of triethanolamine for 13 weeks.
NTP; Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Triethanolamine (CAS No. 102-71-6) in B6C3F1 Mice (Dermal Studies) (2004); Available from, as of June 14, 2016: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/pubs/longterm/reports/longterm/tr500580/listedreports/tr518/index.html
Groups of 50 male and 50 female mice received dermal applications of 0, 200, 630, or 2,000 mg/kg (males) and 0, 100, 300, or 1,000 mg/kg (females) triethanolamine in acetone, 5 days per week, for 104 (males) or 104 to 105 (females) weeks ... CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this 2-year dermal study, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of triethanolamine in male B6C3F1 mice based on the occurrence of liver hemangiosarcoma. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity in female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of hepatocellular adenoma. Exposure to triethanolamine by dermal application resulted in increased incidences of eosinophilic focus of the liver in males and females. Dosed mice developed treatment-related nonneoplastic lesions at the site of application.
NTP; Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Triethanolamine (CAS No. 102-71-6) in B6C3F1 Mice (Dermal Studies) (2004); Available from, as of June 14, 2016: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/pubs/longterm/reports/longterm/tr500580/listedreports/tr518/index.html

14.2 Ecological Information

14.2.1 Ecotoxicity Values

LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow); Conditions: flow-through bioassay with measured concentrations, 25.7 °C, dissolved oxygen 7.3 g/L, and pH 7.8; Concentration: 11.8 g/L for 96 hr (95% confidence limit 10.6-13.0 g/L)
Geiger D.L., D.J. Call, L.T. Brooke. (eds.). Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales- Promelas). Vol. V. Superior WI: University of Wisconsin-Superior, 1990., p. 137
LC50; Species: Artemia salina (brine shrimp); Conditions: static; Concentration: 5,600 mg/L for 24 hr
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. Volumes 1-2. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, NY. 2001, p. 2107
LC50; Species: Carassius auratus (Goldfish); Conditions: /static/; Concentration: >5,000 mg/L for 24 hr
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. Volumes 1-2. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, NY. 2001, p. 2107
LC50; Species: Leuciscus idus; Concentration: >10,000 mg/L for 48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. Volumes 1-2. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, NY. 2001, p. 2107
For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.2.2 Ecotoxicity Excerpts

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) are compounds with potential acute, sub-chronic and chronic toxicity effects towards aquatic species. A literature review highlighted the existence of a gap in the knowledge on their toxicity with saltwater testing species. A battery of toxicity tests including the alga Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin, the bivalve molluscs Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) and Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lmk), and the crustacean Artemia franciscana, was considered to update and improve the existing ecotoxicological information. Data were provided as the Effective Concentration that induces a 50% effect in the observed population (EC50), Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) and No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC). EC50, LOEC and NOEC values were compared with a reviewed database containing the existing ecotoxicological data from saltwater organisms.
Libralato G et al; J Hazard Mater 176 (1-3): 535-9 (2010)

14.2.3 Environmental Fate / Exposure Summary

Triethanolamine's production and use in cosmetics and personal care products; in adhesives; cement and concrete mixtures; protective coatings and corrosion inhibitors; electroplating, electroless plating and stripping; gas purification; metal working, cleaning and lubricating; mining; petroleum and coal applications; polymers; in pigment dispersion and as a chemical intermediate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 3.59X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates triethanolamine will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase triethanolamine will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3.5 hours. Particulate-phase triethanolamine will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. Triethanolamine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, triethanolamine is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 10. The pKa of triethanolamine is 7.76, indicating that this compound will exist partially in cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil of the triethanolamine cation is not expected because cations do not volatilize. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces of neutral triethanolamine is not expected based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 7X10-13 atm-cu m/mole. Triethanolamine is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 0% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks; however, in other screening tests as much as 97% of triethanolamine was biodegraded. If released into water, triethanolamine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Triethanolamine reached 70% of its Theoretical oxygen demand after 10 days in acclimated Kanawha River water using a sewage inoculum, suggesting that biodegadation may be an important environmental fte process in water. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's pKa and estimated Henry's Law constant. BCFs of <3.9 measured in carp suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions (pH 5 to 9). Occupational exposure to triethanolamine may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where triethanolamine is produced or used. Use data indicate that the general population may be exposed to triethanolamine via dermal contact with consumer products containing triethanolamine. (SRC)

14.2.4 Artificial Pollution Sources

Triethanolamine's production and use in cosmetics and personal care products; in adhesives; cement and concrete mixtures; protective coatings and corrosion inhibitors; electroplating, electroless plating and stripping; gas purification; metal working, cleaning and lubricating; mining; petroleum and coal applications; polymers; in pigment dispersion and as a chemical intermediate(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).
(1) Jones C et al; Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2016). NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons; Alkanolamines from Olefin Oxides and Ammonia. Online Posting Date: Sept 17, 2004.

14.2.5 Environmental Fate

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 10(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that triethanolamine is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of triethanolamine is 7.76(3), indicating that this compound will exist partially in cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of the cation from moist soil is not expected because cations do not volatilize(SRC). Volatilization of neutral triethanolamine from moist soil surfaces is not expected (SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 7X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 3.59X10-6 mm Hg(5), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(6). Triethanolamine is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(5). Triethanolamine may biodegrade in soil based on a number of screening tests with results of no biodegradation using the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) test for 14 days(7) to 97% using the French Association for Standardization (AFNOR) test method after 42 days(8).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of July 7, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(3) Perrin DD; Dissociation constants of organic bases in aqueous solution. IUPAC Chem Data Ser, London, UK: Buttersworth (1965)
(4) Doucette WJ; pp. 141-188 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)
(5) Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Washington, DC: Taylor and Francis (1989)
(6) Riddick JA et al; Techniques of Chemistry. 4th ed. Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, p. 706 (1985)
(7) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html
(8) Gerike P, Fischer WK; Ecotox Environ Safety 3: 159-43 (1979)
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 10(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that triethanolamine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). A pKa of 7.76(3) indicates triethanolamine will exist partially in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces of the cation is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). Volatilization of neutral triethanolamine from water surfaces is not expected(4) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 7X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 3.59X10-6 mm Hg(5), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(6). Triethanolamine is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(4). According to a classification scheme(7), BCFs of <0.4 and <3.9 measured in carp(8), suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Triethanolamine reached 70% of its Theoretical oxygen demand after 10 days in acclimated Kanawha River water using a sewage inoculum(9), suggesting that biodegadation may be an important environmental fte process in water(SRC).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(3) Perrin DD; Dissociation constants of organic bases in aqueous solution. IUPAC Chem Data Ser, London, UK: Buttersworth (1965)
(4) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5, 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)
(5) Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Washington, DC: Taylor and Francis (1989)
(6) Riddick JA et al; Techniques of Chemistry. 4th ed. Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, p. 706 (1985)
(7) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)
(8) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html
(9) Mills EJ, Stack VT; Proc 9th Ind Waste Conf Eng Bull Purdue Univ: Ext Ser 9: 449-64 (1955)
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), triethanolamine, which has a vapor pressure of 3.59X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase triethanolamine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3.5 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.1X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase triethanolamine may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Triethanolamine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).
(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988)
(2) Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Washington, DC: Taylor and Francis (1989)
(3) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(4) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 8-12, 8-13 (1990)

14.2.6 Environmental Biodegradation

AEROBIC: Triethanolamine, present at 50 ppm, was biodegraded 70% ThOD (theoretical oxygen demand) in 10 days in a river die-away test using acclimated Kanawha River water as seed and sewage as inoculum(1). In a BOD test in water using a sewage inoculum, triethanolamine added at an initial concentration 2.5 ppm and run for 5, 10, 15 and 20 days exhibited 0, 0.8, 3.5 and 6.8% ThOD, respectively(2). Another BOD test in water using sewage inoculum incubated for 20 days resulted in 66% ThOD for triethanolamine(3). Using synthetic sea water and sewage inoculum, a 20 day run showed 69% ThOD for triethanolamine(3). Using effluent from a biological sanitary waste treatment plant as an inoculum, triethanolamine degradation was 5% ThOD (unadapted) and 28% ThOD (adapted) in a 5 day test(4). Triethanolamine, present at 500 ppm, added to BOD water with an activated sludge inoculum and acclimated for 15 days resulted in 22% ThOD after a 10 day test period(5).
(1) Mills EJ, Stack VT; Proc 9th Ind Waste Conf Eng Bull Purdue Univ: Ext Ser 9: 449-64 (1955)
(2) Lamb CB, Jenkins GF; pp. 326-39 in Proc 8th Ind Waste Conf Purdue Univ (1952)
(3) Price KS et al; J Water Poll Contr Fed 46: 63-77 (1974)
(4) Bridie AL et al; Water Res 13: 627-30 (1979)
(5) Gannon JE et al; Microbios 23: 7-18 (1978)
AEROBIC: Using the Zahn-Wellens test, triethanolamine added initial concentration equivalent to 1000 mg/L COD and run for 14 days exhibited 89% degradation, using a non-adapted activated sludge inoculum(1). Using an initial triethanolamine concentration equivalent to 400 ppm carbon, an activated sludge inoculum and Zahn-Wellens test run for 8 days, 82% dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal was reported(2). In a Sturm test using a sewage inoculum, triethanolamine at an initial concentration equivalent to 10 ppm carbon using a 14 day acclimation period, resulted in 91% carbon dioxide (CO2) evolution and 100% DOC removal after 28 days(2). Triethanolamine at an initial concentration equivalent of 3-20 ppm carbon in the Organization of Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) test using a sewage inoculum, resulted in 96% DOC removal after 19 days(2). Triethanolamine was biodegraded aerobically in 3 and 7% salinity with first-order reaction rates of 0.068 and 0.065/hr resulting in respective half-lives of 10.2 and 10.6 hours(3).
(1) Zahn R, Wellens H, Z Wasser Abwasser Forsch 13: 1-7 (1980)
(2) Gerike P, Fischer WK; Ecotox Environ Safety 3: 159-43 (1979)
(3) Campo P et al; Chemosphere 85:1199-203 (2011)
AEROBIC: Using a Modified Closed Bottle test, an enriched sewage inoculum and 2 ppm of triethanolamine resulted in 9% theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD) after 30 days(1). However, in a prolonged closed bottle test, triethanolamine proved to be readily biodegradable with 73 and 78% of the ThOD being expressed after 28 and 42 days, respectively(3). The French Association for Standardization (AFNOR) test method using sewage inoculum and triethanolamine at an initial concentration equivalent to 40 ppm carbon, resulted in 97% dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal after 42 days(1). Triethanolamine, present at 100 ppm, did not biodegrade (0% Theoretical BOD) in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test(2,4).
(1) Gerike P, Fischer WK; Ecotox Environ Safety 3: 159-43 (1979)
(2) Kawasaki M, Ecotox Environ Safety 4: 444-54 (1980)
(3) VanGinkel CG, Stroo CA; Ecotox Environ Saf 24: 319-27 (1992)
(4) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html

14.2.7 Environmental Abiotic Degradation

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of triethanolamine with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.1X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 3.5 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Triethanolamine is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Triethanolamine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(2) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).
(1) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5, 8-12, 8-13 (1990)

14.2.8 Environmental Bioconcentration

BCFs of <0.4 and <3.9 were reported using carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed to respective concentrations of 2.5 and 25 ppm of triethanolamine over a 6-week period(1). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCFs suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.
(1) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html
(2) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)

14.2.9 Soil Adsorption / Mobility

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of triethanolamine can be estimated to be 10(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that triethanolamine is expected to have very high mobility in soil. The pKa of triethanolamine is 7.76(3), indicating that this compound will partially exist in cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).
(1) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(2) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(3) Perrin DD; Dissociation constants of organic bases in aqueous solution. IUPAC Chem Data Ser, London, UK: Buttersworth (1965)
(4) Doucette WJ; pp. 141-188 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)

14.2.10 Volatilization from Water / Soil

A pKa of 7.76(1) indicates triethanolamine will exist partially in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water and moist soil surfaces of the cation is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). The Henry's Law constant for triethanolamine is estimated as 7X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 3.59X10-6 mm Hg(2), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(3). This Henry's Law constant indicates that neutral triethanolamine is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water and moist soil surfaces(4). Triethanolamine is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(2).
(1) Perrin DD; Dissociation constants of organic bases in aqueous solution. IUPAC Chem Data Ser, London, UK: Buttersworth (1965)
(2) Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Washington, DC: Taylor and Francis (1989)
(3) Riddick JA et al; Techniques of Chemistry. 4th ed. Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, p. 706 (1985)
(4) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)

14.2.11 Other Environmental Concentrations

Triethanolamine is listed as an ingredient in over 300 products; these include auto, commercial/institutional, inside the home and home maintenance, yard and pet care products; approximately 250 personal care products are listed as containing triethanolamine(1).
(1) National Library of Medicine Household Products Database. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/

14.2.12 Probable Routes of Human Exposure

According to the 2012 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 14 reporting facilities estimate the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the manufacturing, processing, or use of triethanolamine in the United States may be as low as <10 workers up to the range of 100-499 workers per plant; the data may be greatly underestimated due to confidential business information (CBI) or unknown values(1).
(1) US EPA; Chemical Data Reporting (CDR). Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting information on chemical production and use in the United States. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://java.epa.gov/chemview
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 1,726,272 workers (573,604 of these are female) were potentially exposed to triethanolamine in the US(1). Occupational exposure to triethanolamine may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where triethanolamine is produced or used(SRC). Use data indicate that the general population may be exposed to triethanolamine via dermal contact with consumer products containing triethanolamine(SRC).
(1) CDC; International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) 2012. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Prevention & Control. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Ed Info Div. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/default.html

15 Associated Disorders and Diseases

Associated Occupational Diseases with Exposure to the Compound

Contact dermatitis, allergic [Category: Skin Disease]

Asthma, occupational [Category: Airway Disease]

Disease
Cystic fibrosis
References

PubMed: 7119120, 15185309, 20347721

Adriana Nori de Macedo. Robust capillary electrophoresis methods for biomarker discovery and routine measurements in clinical and epidemiological applications. March 2017: https://macsphere.mcmaster.ca/handle/11375/21248

Disease
Attachment loss
References
PubMed: 31026179
Disease
Periodontal Probing Depth
References
PubMed: 31026179

16 Literature

16.1 Consolidated References

16.2 NLM Curated PubMed Citations

16.3 Springer Nature References

16.4 Thieme References

16.5 Wiley References

16.6 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Literature

16.7 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Literature

16.8 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Literature

17 Patents

17.1 Depositor-Supplied Patent Identifiers

17.2 WIPO PATENTSCOPE

17.3 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Patents

17.4 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Patents

17.5 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Patents

18 Interactions and Pathways

18.1 Protein Bound 3D Structures

18.1.1 Ligands from Protein Bound 3D Structures

PDBe Ligand Code
PDBe Structure Code
PDBe Conformer

18.2 Chemical-Target Interactions

18.3 Drug-Drug Interactions

18.4 Pathways

19 Biological Test Results

19.1 BioAssay Results

20 Taxonomy

The LOTUS Initiative for Open Natural Products Research: frozen dataset union wikidata (with metadata) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.5794106
A metabolome atlas of the aging mouse brain. Nat Commun. 2021 Oct 15;12(1):6021. DOI:10.1038/s41467-021-26310-y. PMID:34654818; PMCID:PMC8519999.
The Metabolome Atlas of the Aging Mouse Brain: https://mouse.atlas.metabolomics.us

21 Classification

21.1 MeSH Tree

21.2 NCI Thesaurus Tree

21.3 ChEBI Ontology

21.4 KEGG: ATC

21.5 WHO ATC Classification System

21.6 EPA Safer Choice

21.7 ChemIDplus

21.8 CAMEO Chemicals

21.9 UN GHS Classification

21.10 EPA CPDat Classification

21.11 NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification

21.12 EPA DSSTox Classification

21.13 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Classification

21.14 Consumer Product Information Database Classification

21.15 EPA TSCA and CDR Classification

21.16 LOTUS Tree

21.17 EPA Substance Registry Services Tree

21.18 MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology

22 Information Sources

  1. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS)
  2. CAMEO Chemicals
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  5. DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Chemicals of Interest
  6. DrugBank
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  9. EPA Chemicals under the TSCA
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  10. EPA DSSTox
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  11. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
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    https://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/legal-notice
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    https://chem.echa.europa.eu/100.002.773
  12. FDA Global Substance Registration System (GSRS)
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  13. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  14. Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
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  15. ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  16. International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
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  17. New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
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  26. LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database
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  27. Open Targets
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  30. ClinicalTrials.gov
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  36. KNApSAcK Species-Metabolite Database
  37. West Coast Metabolomics Center-UC Davis
    Triethanolamine
  38. EPA Safer Choice
    EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients Classification
    https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice
  39. Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
  40. NITE-CMC
    Triethanolamine - FY2013 (Revised classification)
    https://www.chem-info.nite.go.jp/chem/english/ghs/13-mhlw-2023e.html
    Triethanolamine - FY2006 (New/original classication)
    https://www.chem-info.nite.go.jp/chem/english/ghs/06-imcg-0844e.html
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  46. SpectraBase
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  51. Metabolomics Workbench
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  66. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
    LICENSE
    Works produced by the U.S. government are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any such works found on National Library of Medicine (NLM) Web sites may be freely used or reproduced without permission in the U.S.
    https://www.nlm.nih.gov/copyright.html
  67. GHS Classification (UNECE)
  68. EPA Substance Registry Services
  69. MolGenie
    MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology
    https://github.com/MolGenie/ontology/
  70. PATENTSCOPE (WIPO)
  71. NCBI
CONTENTS