Triethyl Amine (TEA)
Triethyl Amine (TEA) is a flammable liquid used in various industrial applications. It is essential in the production of detergents and soaps, providing effective emulsification and surfactant properties.
Chemical Properties

Triethyl Amine (TEA)
Manufactured by: BALAJI AMINES LIMITED
Triethyl Amine (TEA) is a flammable liquid used in various industrial applications. It is essential in the production of detergents and soaps, providing effective emulsification and surfactant properties.
Product Introduction
Triethyl Amine (TEA) is a versatile chemical compound widely utilized in the detergents and soaps industry. Its unique chemical structure allows it to function effectively as a surfactant and emulsifier, making it invaluable in the formulation of cleaning products. Kivi Chemicals supplies high-quality TEA, ensuring that manufacturers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the wider East African region can achieve optimal performance in their products. TEA is particularly beneficial for enhancing the cleaning efficiency of industrial detergents and household cleaning agents, contributing to improved product formulations. Additionally, its role in personal care products underscores its significance in the beauty and cosmetics industry, where it helps stabilize emulsions and enhance texture.
Detailed Product Overview
Triethyl Amine (TEA), with the chemical formula C6H15N and CAS number 121-44-8, is a tertiary amine that appears as a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic amine-like odor. It is composed of three ethyl groups bonded to a nitrogen atom, giving it a molecular weight of 101.19 g/mol. TEA is highly valued in various industrial processes due to its basic nature, with a pH greater than 10, and its complete miscibility with water. Its low density of 0.726 g/cm³ and viscosity of 0.54 cP make it a versatile component in liquid formulations, allowing for easy handling and integration into complex chemical processes. In industrial applications, Triethyl Amine is prominently used in the production of detergents and soaps, where it serves as an effective emulsification agent and surfactant. Its ability to stabilize emulsions makes it indispensable in household cleaning products and personal care formulations. In the textile industry, TEA is utilized for its role in neutralizing acids and as a catalyst in dyeing processes, enhancing the uptake of dyes and improving color consistency. Its broad utility is driven by its chemical properties, which facilitate reactions and improve product performance across these sectors. Triethyl Amine is available in an industrial grade with a minimum purity of 99%, ensuring consistent quality and performance. When procuring TEA, buyers should verify the purity and confirm that it meets the required specifications for their specific applications. The product's basicity, as indicated by its high pH level, and its miscibility in water should be checked to ensure compatibility with other components in the formulation. Additionally, its refractive index of 1.396 can be a useful parameter for quality control in certain applications. Ensuring these specifications are met will contribute to the reliability and effectiveness of the end products. Handling and storage of Triethyl Amine require careful consideration due to its flammable nature, with a flash point of 22 °C. It should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition. The product is typically supplied in 25 kg drums, providing a manageable size for industrial use. It is important to follow safety guidelines and consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed information on exposure limits and emergency measures. Kivi Industrial Chemicals Limited ensures that TEA is packaged securely to maintain its integrity during transit, ensuring that it arrives in optimal condition for use in diverse East African industrial applications.
Applications & Uses
Industrial Detergents
Triethyl Amine (TEA) is a key ingredient in industrial detergents, where it acts as a surfactant that effectively reduces surface tension, allowing for better penetration and removal of dirt and grease.
Household Cleaning Products
In household cleaning products, TEA enhances cleaning efficiency by emulsifying oils and dirt, making it easier for users to achieve a spotless clean. Its ability to stabilize formulations is crucial for maintaining product consistency.
Personal Care Products
TEA is widely used in personal care products such as lotions and creams, where it helps to stabilize emulsions and improve texture, ensuring a pleasant user experience.
Textile Industry
In the textile industry, Triethyl Amine serves as a processing aid, helping to improve dye uptake and enhance the effectiveness of cleaning agents used in textile processing.
Benefits & Advantages
Triethyl Amine (TEA) provides numerous benefits for East African manufacturers in the detergents and soaps sector. Its high purity of 99% ensures that formulations maintain their effectiveness, which is crucial for customer satisfaction. The cost-effectiveness of TEA makes it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to optimize their production processes while maintaining quality. The versatility of TEA allows it to be used in various applications, from industrial detergents to personal care products, thus broadening the range of products that manufacturers can offer. Furthermore, Kivi Chemicals ensures timely delivery and compliance with local regulations, allowing buyers to source this essential chemical with confidence. By choosing TEA from Kivi Chemicals, businesses can enhance their product offerings and improve operational efficiency.
Packaging & Bulk Supply
Triethyl Amine (TEA) is available in 25 kg drums, which are ideal for bulk supply and ensure safe handling during transportation and storage. This packaging format is designed to meet the needs of industrial manufacturers, allowing for easy integration into production processes. Kivi Chemicals offers flexible supply options to cater to the varying demands of businesses across the East African region.
Storage & Handling
When storing Triethyl Amine (TEA), it is essential to keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. The chemical should be stored in its original container, tightly sealed, to prevent contamination and evaporation. Due to its flammable nature, it is crucial to keep TEA away from open flames and sparks. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles should be worn when handling the chemical to avoid skin and eye contact. Additionally, it is advisable to have appropriate fire extinguishing measures in place in case of an emergency.
External References & Further Reading
Technical Specifications
| pH | Basic (pH > 10) |
| Odor | Amine-like odor |
| Purity | 99% Min |
| Density | 0.726 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity | 0.54 cP |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Flash Point | -7 °C (closed cup) |
| Boiling Point | 89 °C |
| Melting Point | -115 °C |
| Molecular Weight | 101.19 g/mol |
| Refractive Index | 1.396 |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible |
Safety & Handling Guidelines
GHS Category 2 – Flammable Liquid (H225); Signal word: Danger
Triethyl Amine (TEA) is classified as a flammable liquid (GHS Category 2 – Flammable Liquid, H225) and requires careful handling. Users should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, goggles, and flame-resistant clothing to minimize exposure. In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If TEA enters the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention. In case of fire, use foam or dry chemical extinguishers to extinguish flames. Always refer to the safety data sheet (SDS) for detailed handling and emergency response information.
Regulatory Compliance & Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Triethyl Amine used for?
Triethyl Amine is primarily used as a surfactant and emulsifier in the formulation of detergents, household cleaning products, and personal care items.
How should Triethyl Amine be stored?
TEA should be stored in a cool, dry place in its original container, away from heat sources and open flames.
Is Triethyl Amine safe to use?
While TEA is effective in many applications, it is classified as a flammable liquid and should be handled with care, using appropriate PPE.
What are the main benefits of using Triethyl Amine?
TEA enhances cleaning efficiency, improves product stability, and is cost-effective for manufacturers in the detergents and soaps industry.
What industries utilize Triethyl Amine?
TEA is used in various industries including detergents, personal care, textiles, and more.
What is the flash point of Triethyl Amine?
The flash point of Triethyl Amine is 22 °C, indicating it is flammable and should be handled with caution.
Can Triethyl Amine be mixed with water?
Yes, Triethyl Amine is miscible with water, making it easy to incorporate into aqueous formulations.
What is the molecular weight of Triethyl Amine?
The molecular weight of Triethyl Amine is 101.19 g/mol.
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