Triethylamine carries the chemical formula C6H15N and stands out as a widely used aliphatic tertiary amine. Most people working in chemical synthesis or industrial production will have come across this sharp-smelling, colorless liquid, particularly in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and polymer sectors. The structure consists of a nitrogen atom bound to three ethyl groups, giving it both its physical properties and widespread utility as a raw material. Triethylamine’s CAS number is 121-44-8, and its HS Code for customs classification aligns with 29211990, keeping tracking and trade transparent for regulators and businesses alike.
Pure triethylamine presents itself as a mobile, transparent liquid, often recognized by its strong ammonia-like odor. Its molecular weight lands at about 101.19 g/mol. The boiling point hovers right around 89.5°C, and it transforms to a vapor quickly at room temperature, making ventilation a strong consideration when handling large volumes. Looking at density, triethylamine measures at 0.726 g/cm3 at 20°C, so it floats on water and only mixes slightly, not enough to dissolve completely. A few people in chemical manufacturing know the problems that arrive if storage vessels leak — vapors can spread rapidly, and the smell alone can linger well past the first spill. Its refractive index stands close to 1.399 at 20°C, a mark that helps during identification and purity checks in the lab.
Among all the forms, liquid triethylamine dominates commercial supply. Solid, powder, pearl, flake, or crystal variants do not occur under normal conditions, which makes the material easier to transport but also brings challenges for bulk packaging and vapor management. In my work, transferring triethylamine always means keeping containers tightly sealed, storing them in cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces, far from acids and oxidants, and always, always keeping eyewash stations nearby. Sometimes in industry, specialized drums lined with compatible materials tackle the storage needs, preventing corrosion and vapor leaks.
Many underestimate the risks associated with triethylamine. Vapors pose a significant inhalation hazard—irritating eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory systems. Direct skin contact leads to redness, burns, or a persistent tingling that doesn’t fade with a simple rinse. Beyond the personal risks, spills or leaks can threaten workers in a whole facility. Triethylamine rates as a flammable liquid; a small spark can trigger fires, so strict adherence to fire control protocols is non-negotiable. Chemicals like this demand readiness in the form of sand-filled spill kits, chemical-resistant gloves, and robust training. For community health, emissions must meet strict regulatory standards to avoid environmental contamination, as persistent vapors harm broader ecosystems.
Triethylamine supports some of the most common synthetic processes in modern chemical manufacturing. It neutralizes acid, catalyzes acylation and alkylation, and shows up in paint hardeners, pesticides, and pharmaceutical precursors. Many know its role in producing quaternary ammonium compounds: its reactivity and solubility mean easy cleanup afterward, saving on hazardous waste disposal costs. In the hands of skilled chemists, it becomes a workhorse for bond formation and pH control. Researchers and production supervisors often list triethylamine among their essential raw materials when scaling up new processes from bench to pilot plant.
Users always look to purity, water content, color (measured by APHA standards), and trace impurities to determine suitability. Shandong Kunda Biotechnology’s strict product specifications usually dictate triethylamine content greater than 99.5%, which guarantees there’s little room for unwanted side reactions in sensitive processes. Water content, often held below 0.2%, proves vital for specialty synthesis; moisture throws off balances in Grignard and other organometallic reactions. Each batch’s density, refractive index, and residue after evaporation get reported to confirm that nothing unusual sneaks in with the supply chain. My own past with sourcing bulk chemicals taught me that certificates of analysis do more than fill out paperwork—they keep customers loyal and incidents rare.
Best practices mean a lot in any plant that stores or processes triethylamine. Using closed-loop transfer systems keeps hands and lungs safe from exposure. Engineering controls—ventilation, fume extraction, gas sensors—spot leaks before they develop into crises. On-site safety training, PPE, and regular drills make a world of difference in how accidents unfold. For the longer term, supporting efforts in green chemistry to replace triethylamine in certain reactions, or to recover and recycle vapors, leads to greener, cost-effective processes. Shandong Kunda and similar producers face pressure to innovate packaging and logistics, shrinking environmental impact while keeping the raw materials affordable and accessible. Moving forward, the continued push for improved workplace safety standards and regulatory compliance remains essential for protecting both people and places where triethylamine gets used.
