TEA, Triethanolamine

IUPAC Name: 2,2\',2"-Nitrilotriethanol

Other Names: Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, 2,2\',2"-Trihydroxy-triethylamine, Triethylolamine, Trolamine, TEA, TEOA

Formula: C₆H₁₅NO₃ 

Mol Wt: 149.18

Appearance: clear liquid
Boiling Point: 335.14C
Density: 1.118 g/cm³

Triethanolamine, often abbreviated as TEA, is an organic compound which is both a tertiary amine and a tri-alcohol. Like other amines it is a mild alkali.

USES OF TRIETHANOLAMINE

This ingredient is used as a pH balancer in cosmetic preparations in a variety of different products - ranging from skin lotion, eye gels, moisturizers, shampoos, shaving foams etc. because triethanolamine is pH 5-6 which is similar to skin pH. Cleansing milk or cream emulsions that are based on triethanolamine are good for removing makeup.

Another common use of TEA is as a complexing agent for aluminium ions in aqueous solutions.

Triethanolamine is used as an emulsifier and as a surfactant.

TEA has been used in photographic (silver halide) processing and has been recommended as a useful alkai by amateur photographers. 

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