Triethanolamine (TEA)
Triethanolamine is the tertiary ethanolamine in this part of our range, a well-documented cement grinding aid and cosmetic pH adjuster carrying an IARC Group 3 (not classifiable) finding -- categorically different from, and not to be confused with, its relative Diethanolamine's Group 2B status -- and no harmonised EU hazard classification, which we state honestly rather than imply a precision the data doesn't have.
What Triethanolamine (TEA) is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the compound's chemistry, its place in the aniline-derivative family, and the grades Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Triethanolamine (TEA) carries three hydroxyethyl groups on a single tertiary amine nitrogen, the most fully substituted of the three ethanolamines in this range. We want to flag two things precisely. First, TEA has no harmonised EU CLP Annex VI entry — unlike MEA and DEA elsewhere in our range, its classification is self-classification only, and we found that self-classification genuinely varies between notifiers: some commercial SDS list only eye irritation (H319), while Japan's NITE government classification lists a broader profile including skin irritation, sensitisation, and respiratory irritation. We show the broader, more conservative NITE-based profile and flag the narrower alternative rather than quietly pick the lighter one. Second, TEA's own IARC evaluation (Monograph Volume 77, 2000) places it in Group 3, not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans — based on inadequate human evidence and inadequate animal evidence (no tumour increase in oral/dermal rodent studies) — a categorically different and lower-concern finding than Diethanolamine's Group 2B elsewhere in this range, and we do not let the two blur together just because they share the "ethanolamine" family name.
TEA's best-documented and most specific industrial application is as a cement grinding aid, used at roughly 0.1% by weight to prevent powder agglomeration and mill-wall/ball coating during clinker grinding — confirmed across commercial grinding-aid products and peer-reviewed cement-chemistry literature. It is also widely used as a pH-adjusting agent and emulsifier in cosmetics (subject to an EU cosmetics-regulation concentration limit, detailed below), as a metalworking-fluid component, and as a component in some 2,4-D herbicide amine-salt formulations. We found TEA's once-common role in acid-gas treating (the historic 1930s-era "Girbotol" process) widely repeated in secondary literature but could not independently confirm from a clearly authoritative primary source that TEA specifically, rather than an ethanolamine generically, was that original process amine — we flag this historical claim as plausible but not independently verified, and note that TEA does not appear in either of the current gas-treating technical sources we checked, which name MEA, DEA, and MDEA as today's dominant amines.
Where it fits in the synthesis chain
We supply Triethanolamine itself as a cement-chemistry and cosmetic/personal-care intermediate. We do not manufacture or supply finished cement products, cosmetic formulations, or metalworking fluids.
Grades we supply
99%+ technical and cosmetic grades are both offered; cosmetic-grade material is supplied consistent with the EU's Annex III concentration and purity conditions for downstream formulators.
How Triethanolamine (TEA) is made
An overview of the production route for orientation purposes. Our manufacturing partners' own process parameters and in-process controls are proprietary and are not disclosed beyond what is needed to interpret the certificate of analysis.
Triethanolamine is made industrially by reaction of ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia, in the same reactor system used to co-produce Monoethanolamine and Diethanolamine, with a higher ethylene oxide-to-ammonia ratio favouring this fully substituted tertiary product.
The crude product is separated from its MEA/DEA co-products by distillation, then tested for purity and colour before packing.
Cosmetic-grade material is purified to a tighter specification (minimum purity, controlled secondary-amine content) consistent with the EU cosmetics-regulation conditions that apply to this compound's use in that application.
Two things we won't let blur: IARC Group 3, and an honest hazard-classification gap
We want to be precise on both counts. TEA's IARC Group 3 finding is categorically different from, and lower-concern than, Diethanolamine's Group 2B finding elsewhere in our range -- sharing the word "ethanolamine" does not mean sharing a carcinogenicity profile, and we keep the two separate. Separately, because TEA has no EU harmonised classification, different notifiers have published genuinely different self-classifications -- some narrower (eye irritation only), some broader (adding skin irritation, sensitisation, and respiratory irritation, per Japan's NITE). We show the broader profile as the more conservative, safety-first choice, and flag honestly that a given supplier's SDS may show a narrower one, rather than imply one settled, harmonised figure exists when it does not.
Industries and processes that use it
Triethanolamine (TEA) is consumed almost entirely as a synthesis intermediate. The four fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
Cement Grinding Aid
Used at approximately 0.1% by weight in clinker grinding to prevent powder agglomeration and mill-wall/ball coating, confirmed across commercial grinding-aid products and peer-reviewed cement-chemistry literature.
Cosmetic pH Adjuster & Emulsifier
Widely used as a pH-balancing agent and emulsifier in cosmetic and personal-care formulations, subject to EU Annex III concentration and purity conditions.
Metalworking-Fluid & Agrochemical-Formulation Component
Used as a pH buffer/corrosion-inhibitor component in metalworking fluids, and as a component in some 2,4-D herbicide amine-salt formulations.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
Triethanolamine's chemistry centres on its three hydroxyl groups (available for esterification and surface-active derivative formation) and its basic, fully substituted tertiary nitrogen, which readily forms salts with acids and surfactant acid-heads.
Salt/soap formation (cosmetic chemistry)
The basic tertiary nitrogen neutralises fatty acids and other acidic surfactant components, the basis of its pH-adjusting and emulsifying role in cosmetic formulations.
Surface adsorption (cement-chemistry role)
In cement grinding, TEA adsorbs onto freshly ground clinker particle surfaces, reducing electrostatic agglomeration and preventing coating of mill balls and walls -- a physical/surface-chemistry mechanism rather than a classic organic reaction.
Triethanolamine (TEA) against its near relatives
Triethanolamine, Monoethanolamine and Diethanolamine are the three ethanolamines in this part of our range, sharing a manufacturing process but carrying three distinct hazard and regulatory profiles.
| Product | CAS Number | Typically Used In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triethanolamine | 102-71-6 | Cement grinding aid; cosmetic pH adjuster | The product on this page. IARC Group 3; EU cosmetics Annex III restricted (not prohibited). |
| Monoethanolamine | 141-43-5 | Acid-gas treating; surfactant intermediate | Also supplied -- see its product page. Not evaluated by IARC. |
| Diethanolamine | 111-42-2 | Refinery gas treating; industrial surfactant/metalworking-fluid intermediate | Also supplied -- see its product page. IARC Group 2B; EU cosmetics Annex II prohibited. |
Exact physical constants and purity specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide rather than a specification sheet.
Safety classification at a glance
Based on GHS classification as commonly listed for this substance. This is a summary for orientation only — always work from the current safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch.
Causes skin irritation.
May cause an allergic skin reaction.
Causes serious eye irritation.
May cause respiratory irritation.
Warning
Triethanolamine has no harmonised EU CLP Annex VI entry -- its classification is self-classification only, and we found this genuinely varies between notifiers. We show Japan's NITE government classification (H315/H317/H319/H335, signal word Warning) as the broader, more conservative profile; some commercial SDS list only H319 (eye irritation), a materially narrower profile. We flag this honestly rather than imply one settled figure where none exists -- check your specific supplier's current SDS for the classification they apply. IARC evaluated this substance (Monograph Vol. 77, 2000) and placed it in Group 3, not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans, based on inadequate human and animal evidence -- a materially different and lower-concern finding than Diethanolamine's Group 2B elsewhere in our range. EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III (entry 62) restricts, but does not prohibit, its use in cosmetics: maximum 2.5% concentration, minimum 99% purity, maximum 0.5% secondary-amine content, and a requirement not to use with nitrosating systems.
Keeping it on spec between delivery and use
General storage guidance for this grade. Site-specific storage rules, segregation requirements and re-test intervals should follow your own EHS procedures and the MSDS issued with your batch.
Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, consistent with a mild-irritant, non-flammable-at-ambient-handling-temperature liquid. Note it can solidify just below ambient temperature (melting point 21.6 °C) in cooler storage conditions.
How it ships from Indonesia
Standard packing and export terms for this product. Confirm exact figures against your order — they vary slightly by destination and quantity.
What travels with every batch
Specification is agreed before the purchase order, not discovered on arrival. Every shipment of Triethanolamine (TEA) leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay (by GC), isomer purity, melting point range and moisture, issued against the agreed specification so your QC team can check it, not just file it.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS-format SDS in English covering hazard classification, handling, storage, first-aid and spill response for the exact grade shipped.
Technical Data Sheet
Reference physical and chemical properties, recommended storage and typical applications, for internal circulation to your process or R&D teams.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms Indonesian origin for customs clearance and any preferential-duty claim at your destination port.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
UN packing group, classification and shipper's declaration prepared ahead of loading so documentation never holds up customs.
Third-Party Inspection
Independent pre-shipment inspection and re-sampling can be arranged on request, at your cost, for buyers who require it as a matter of policy.
Frequently asked questions
What buyers most often ask our sales desk about this grade.
01What is Triethanolamine (TEA) used for?+
02What is the CAS number of Triethanolamine (TEA)?+
03What purity grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
04Is Triethanolamine (TEA) hazardous?+
05Is this compound a carcinogen, like Diethanolamine?+
06Why doesn't this page show one definite hazard classification like your other products?+
07Can this be used in cosmetics?+
08What packing options are available?+
09How long does delivery take?+
10Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
11How is Triethanolamine (TEA) manufactured?+
12What is the shelf life, and how should it be stored?+
Need Triethanolamine (TEA) on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.