Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise focused on industry of fine chemicals research and develop, produce and sale. Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is located in Shan Dong Ji Nan China. we have the ability to provide you high quality products. More than 90 % of our products are exported to developed countries and regions such as north America, Europe, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East.
1. Basic Product Profile
- Full IUPAC Name: 2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol
- Aliases: TEA, Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, Trihydroxytriethylamine
- CAS Number: 102-71-6
- EINECS: 203-049-8
- Molecular Formula: C6H15NO3
- Molecular Weight: 149.19
- Chemical Classification: Tertiary polyhydroxy amine, pH neutralizer, emulsifier, cosmetic excipient, industrial surfactant raw material, metal chelating agent
- Core Advantages
Tertiary amine with three hydroxyl ethyl side chains, featuring excellent water solubility, weak alkalinity, powerful emulsifying and chelating performance. Widely used as acid neutralizer for cosmetic formulations, soap & detergent emulsifier, metal surface rust inhibitor, cement grinding aid and pharmaceutical solubilizer. Good compatibility with anionic surfactants, low volatility, stable in conventional storage environment.
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
2.1 Physical Index
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow viscous oily liquid
- Odor: Faint mild ammonia odor
- Solubility: Fully miscible with water, ethanol, methanol; soluble in acetone; slightly soluble in benzene, ether; insoluble in alkane mineral oils
- Boiling Point: 335 °C
- Melting Point: 21–22 °C
- Density (20℃): 1.120–1.130 g/cm3
- Refractive Index nD20: 1.485–1.490
- pH (1% aqueous solution): 10.0–11.0 (weakly alkaline)
- Hygroscopy: Strongly hygroscopic, rapidly absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from air
2.2 Chemical Properties
- Functional groups: One tertiary amine nitrogen + three terminal hydroxyl groups
- Neutralization characteristic: Reacts with organic/inorganic acids to generate soluble triethanolamine salts; core raw material for soap, anionic surfactant neutralization
- Chelation performance: Forms stable complexes with Fe, Cu, Zn and other metal ions, prevents metal ion discoloration in cosmetics
- Esterification reaction: Hydroxyl groups react with fatty acids to produce triethanolamine ester nonionic emulsifiers
- Thermal Stability: Stable below 200℃; high-temperature decomposition releases ammonia gas
- Acid & Alkali Stability: Stable in alkaline environment; concentrated strong acid heating triggers side chain dehydration
- Photostability: Gradually turns pale yellow under long-term air & light exposure
- Compatibility: Compatible with water-soluble surfactants, polar solvents; incompatible with strong oxidants, concentrated mineral acids
3. Main Application Fields
3.1 Cosmetic & Personal Care (Core Usage)
- pH adjuster & neutralizer for facial cleanser, shampoo, body wash, cream, lotion; neutralizes fatty acids to form mild soap base emulsifiers
- Metal ion chelator to avoid cosmetic discoloration and oxidation deterioration
- Humectant auxiliary for hair care products, improves hair softness and combability
3.2 Daily Detergent & Industrial Surfactant
Raw material for liquid soap, laundry detergent, industrial cleaning agent; triethanolamine fatty acid ester emulsifier for textile printing and dyeing auxiliary
3.3 Metal Processing Auxiliary
Water-based cutting fluid, metal rust inhibitor, polishing liquid additive; chelates metal ions to improve cleaning effect
3.4 Construction & Other Industrial Uses
Cement grinding aid, concrete early strength agent; pharmaceutical solubilizer for oily active ingredients; leather softening agent
4. Quality Specification Table
| Test Item | Standard Index |
| CAS No. | 102-71-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C6H15NO3 |
| Molecular Weight | 149.19 |
| Appearance | Colorless pale yellow viscous liquid |
| Purity | Cosmetic Grade ≥99.0%; Industrial Grade ≥98.0% |
| Water Content (KF) | ≤0.20% |
| Monoethanolamine Impurity | ≤0.10% |
| Diethanolamine Impurity | ≤0.50% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm (Cosmetic Grade ≤2 ppm) |
| Color (APHA) | ≤150 |
| Bulk Package | 230L plastic-lined iron drum, IBC tank |
| Sample Package | 1L / 5L sealed amber plastic bottle |
| Storage Requirements | Hermetic airtight cool warehouse ≤25℃; isolate air, carbon dioxide, high temperature and oxidants |
| Transportation Rule | Weak alkaline amine liquid; airtight sealed packaging required during transit |
| Shelf Life | 24 months under intact sealed packaging |
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