Triethanolamine is a viscous organic compound that is both a tertiary amine and a triol. A triol is a molecule with three alcohol groups. Triethanolamine is produced from the reaction of ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia. Ethanolamine and diethanolamine are also formed in this reaction. Triethanolamine is soluble in water and some organic solvents. It is a colorless compound, but may appear yellow due to impurities. It has a slight ammonia odor. Solidifies below 20 °C.

The chemical and physical properties of triethanolamine are as follows:

• Its chemical formula is C6H15NO3.
• Its molecular weight is 149.19 g/mol.
• Melting point is 20.5 °C.
• Boiling point is 335 °C.
• Its density is 1.124 g/mL.
• Vapor pressure is 0.01 mmHg (at 25 °C).
• Flash point is 185 °C.
• The octanol/water partition coefficient (log Kow) is -1.28.
• Acidity (pKa) is 7.8.
• pH value is 10.5 (1% solution).
• Its solubility is high in water and some organic solvents and low in hydrocarbons.

Triethanolamine has many uses. Most commonly, it is used as an emulsifier in the production of surfactants. Surfactants are substances that reduce surface tension and increase the interaction between oil and water. They are a common ingredient in formulations used for both industrial and consumer products. Triethanolamine neutralizes fatty acids, adjusts pH and buffers and dissolves other components that are not completely soluble in oils and water.

Some common products containing triethanolamine are:

• Sunscreen lotions: Triethanolamine increases the solubility of UV filters in sunscreen lotions and leaves no white residue on the skin.
• Liquid laundry detergents: Triethanolamine is used as an anti-scaling agent and softener in liquid laundry detergents. It also helps to adjust the viscosity of the detergent and control foam formation.
• Dishwashing liquids: Triethanolamine is used as a degreaser and scale inhibitor in dishwashing liquids. It also helps to make dishes shiny and stain-free.
• General cleaners Triethanolamine is used as a degreaser and scale inhibitor in general cleaners. It also helps to adjust the pH of the cleaner and control foam formation.
• Hand sanitizers: Triethanolamine is used as a moisturizer in hand sanitizers to reduce the drying effect of alcohol. It also helps to adjust the viscosity of the sanitizer and prevent foam formation.
• Brighteners Triethanolamine is used in the production of brighteners to neutralize fatty acids. It also helps to adjust the viscosity of the brightener and to dissolve the glossing agents.
• Metalworking fluids: Triethanolamine is used as a corrosion inhibitor and lubricant in metalworking fluids. It also helps to remove rust from metal surfaces and increase the efficiency of metalworking processes.
• Dyes Triethanolamine is used as a pH adjuster and buffer in the production of dyes. It also helps to adjust the viscosity of the paint and to disperse the pigments.
• Shaving cream Triethanolamine is used as a foam stabilizer and moisturizer in shaving cream. It also makes the shaving cream slippery on the skin and allows the razor to glide smoothly over the skin.
• Ink prints Triethanolamine is used as a pH adjuster and buffer in ink printing. It also helps to adjust the viscosity of the ink and improve the efficiency of the inkjet process.

Triethanolamine is also used in the grinding of cement clinker, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and complexometric titrations. Triethanolamine is a versatile chemical compound and is used for different purposes in many industries.