What’s Triethylamine?

　　Triethylamine is the chemical compound with the formula N(CH2CH3)3, commonly abbreviated Et3N. It is also abbreviated TEA, yet this abbreviation must be used carefully to avoid confusion with triethanolamine or tetraethylammonium, for which TEA is also a common abbreviation. It is a colourless volatile liquid with a strong fishy odor reminiscent of ammonia and is also the smell of the hawthorn plant. Like diisopropylethylamine (Hünig’s base), triethylamine is commonly encountered in organic synthesis.

Triethylamine,121-44-8

    1.Physical Properties
    *The chemical formula for triethylamine is C6H15N, and its molecular weight is 101.19 g/mol.
    *Triethylamine occurs as a colorless flammable liquid that is slightly soluble in water.
    *Triethylamine has a strong fishy ammonia-like odor, with an odor threshold of 0.48 parts per million (ppm).
    *The vapor pressure for triethylamine is 400 mm Hg at 31.5 °C, and its log octanol/water partition coefficient (log Kow) is 1.45.　　
　　2.Uses
　　*Triethylamine is used as a catalytic solvent in chemical syntheses; as an accelerator activator for rubber; as a corrosion inhibitor; as a curing and hardening agent for polymers; as a propellant; in the manufacture of wetting, penetrating, and waterproofing agents of quaternary ammonium compounds; and for the desalination of seawater.
　　3.Sources and Potential Exposure
　　*Occupational exposure may occur primarily via inhalation and dermal contact during its manufacture and use.
　　*The general population may be exposed to triethylamine from ingesting contaminated food; triethylamine has been identified in broiled beef.