Product Description of Triethylamine CAS#121-44-8
Triethylamine (chemical formula: C₆H₁₅N), also referred to as N,N-diethylethylamine, is a simple tertiary amine with three equivalent alkyl substituents. It displays typical tertiary amine characteristics, such as salt formation and susceptibility to oxidation. However, unlike primary and secondary amines, triethylamine does not give a positive Hinsberg test.
Triethylamine is a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid with a strong, ammonia-like odor. It may generate light fumes upon contact with air. The compound has a boiling point of approximately 89.5°C, a relative density of about 0.70 compared with water, and a vapor density of approximately 3.48 relative to air. It has limited solubility in water but dissolves readily in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. Its aqueous solutions are alkaline.
Triethylamine is highly flammable, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air at concentrations ranging from approximately 1.2% to 8.0%. It is also toxic and strongly irritating, so appropriate storage, handling procedures, ventilation, and protective measures are essential.
Triethylamine Chemical Properties
| Melting point | -115 °C |
| Boiling point | 90 °C |
| density | 0.728 |
| vapor density | 3.5 (vs air) |
| vapor pressure | 51.75 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| refractive index | n20/D 1.401(lit.) |
| FEMA | 4246 | TRIETHYLAMINE |
| Fp | 20 °F |
| storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
| solubility | water: soluble112g/L at 20°C |
| pka | 10.75(at 25℃) |
| form | Liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.725 (20/4℃) |
| color | Clear |
| PH | 12.7 (100g/l, H2O, 15℃)(IUCLID) |
| Relative polarity | 1.8 |
| Odor | Strong ammonia-like odor |
| Odor Type | fishy |
| Odor Threshold | 0.0054ppm |
| explosive limit | 1.2-9.3%(V) |
| Water Solubility | 133 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Merck | 149666 |
| JECFA Number | 1611 |
| BRN | 1843166 |
| Henry's Law Constant | 1.79 at 25 °C (Christie and Crisp, 1967) |
| Exposure limits | NIOSH REL: IDLH 200 ppm; OSHA PEL: TWA 25 ppm (100 mg/m3); ACGIH TLV: TWA 1 ppm, STEL 3 ppm (adopted). |
| Dielectric constant | 5.0（Ambient） |
| Stability: | Stable. Extremely flammable. Readily forms explosive mixtures with air. Note low flash point. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, ketones, aldehydes, halogenated hydrocarbons. |
| InChIKey | ZMANZCXQSJIPKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| LogP | 1.65 |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 121-44-8(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | Triethylamine(121-44-8) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Triethylamine (121-44-8) |
Safety Information
| Hazard Codes | F,C |
| Risk Statements | 11-20/21/22-35 |
| Safety Statements | 3-16-26-29-36/37/39-45-61 |
| RIDADR | UN 1296 3/PG 2 |
| WGK Germany | 1 |
| RTECS | YE0175000 |
| F | 34 |
| Autoignition Temperature | 593 °F |
| Hazard Note | Highly Flammable/Corrosive |
| TSCA | Yes |
| HazardClass | 3 |
| PackingGroup | II |
| HS Code | 29211910 |
| Hazardous Substances Data | 121-44-8(Hazardous Substances Data) |
| Toxicity | LD50 orally in rats: 0.46 g/kg (Smyth) |
| IDLA | 200 ppm |
Product Application of Triethylamine CAS#121-44-8
1. Organic Synthesis and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Triethylamine is widely used as an organic solvent, base, and chemical intermediate in organic synthesis. It plays an important role in the manufacture of polycarbonate-related catalysts, tetrafluoroethylene stabilizers, rubber vulcanization accelerators, paint-removing agents, enamel additives, surfactants, preservatives, bactericides, ion-exchange resins, dyes, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, high-energy fuels, and liquid rocket propellants. In pharmaceutical production, it is involved in the synthesis and processing of various antibiotics, antifungal agents, vitamins, antiparasitic drugs, and other active pharmaceutical compounds.
2. Chemical Intermediates and Industrial Additives
Triethylamine is used in the production of quaternary ammonium salts and in the preparation of various catalysts. It also serves as an accelerator in rubber vulcanization and can function as a penetrating agent and water-repellent additive in selected industrial formulations.
3. Chromatography and Analytical Applications
In analytical chemistry, triethylamine is commonly used as a mobile-phase modifier in reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). It can assist in the separation and analysis of acidic, basic, and neutral compounds by adjusting chromatographic conditions and improving peak characteristics.
4. Pharmaceutical, Agricultural, and Rubber Industries
Triethylamine can help enhance the chromatographic separation of amino acids and amino acid amides by minimizing peak tailing. Beyond analytical applications, it is also an important chemical intermediate used in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, chemical inhibitors, high-energy fuels, and rubber vulcanization additives.
