Product Description of Triethylamine CAS#121-44-8
Triethylamine, with the molecular formula C₆H₁₅N, is a typical tertiary aliphatic amine also known as N,N-diethylethylamine. It possesses the characteristic chemical behavior of tertiary amines, including the ability to form salts and undergo oxidation reactions. Unlike primary and secondary amines, triethylamine does not participate in the Hinsberg reaction.
The compound is a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid with a strong ammonia-like odor. It has a boiling point of 89.5°C, a relative density of approximately 0.70 (water = 1), and a vapor density of 3.48 (air = 1). Triethylamine is slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, and its aqueous solution exhibits alkaline properties.
Because of its excellent basicity and nucleophilic characteristics, triethylamine is widely applied in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical manufacturing, polymer production, and chemical processing as a reaction catalyst, acid-binding agent, and intermediate.
Triethylamine is a flammable and irritating chemical substance, and its vapor may form explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions. Proper storage, ventilation, and handling procedures are required to ensure safe industrial use.
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
Triethylamine is a highly versatile tertiary amine compound widely used as a solvent, catalyst, and organic synthesis reagent across pharmaceutical, chemical, and industrial fields. Due to its excellent basicity and reactivity, it plays an important role in the manufacture of various fine chemicals and specialty materials.
In the organic synthesis industry, triethylamine is commonly utilized as a reaction auxiliary and intermediate in the production of polycarbonate catalysts, tetrafluoroethylene stabilizers, rubber vulcanization accelerators, coating additives, surfactants, preservatives, bactericides, ion-exchange resins, dyes, fragrances, and other chemical products.
In the pharmaceutical industry, triethylamine serves as an important synthesis reagent and acid-binding agent involved in the preparation of various pharmaceutical compounds, including penicillin-related products, cephalosporin antibiotics, antifungal agents, vitamins, and other active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Triethylamine is also widely applied in the preparation of quaternary ammonium compounds and catalysts, as well as in the production of rubber additives, penetrants, and waterproofing agents. Its strong alkalinity and chemical compatibility make it valuable in multiple industrial formulations.
In analytical chemistry, triethylamine is used as a mobile phase modifier in reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). It helps improve the separation efficiency of acidic, basic, and neutral compounds and reduces peak tailing during the analysis of amino acids and amino acid derivatives.
With its broad chemical versatility, triethylamine continues to be an essential material in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, specialty chemicals, catalysts, high-energy materials, and rubber processing additives.
