Substance profile
Triethylamine
Triethylamine is a colorless liquid with a strong, ammoniacal ordor odor.
01 · Identification
What Triethylamine is
Triethylamine is a colorless liquid with a strong, ammoniacal ordor odor. Its molecular formula is C6H15N and its molecular weight is 101.19 g/mol. It boils at 88.8 °C, melts at -115 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P310, P330, P331, P338, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Triethylamine properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 88.8 °C (191.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 89.44 °C (193 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 89.28 °C (192.7 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -114.7 °C (-174.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -115 °C (-175 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -114.72 °C (-174.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.7309 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.73 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| 0.7275 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible with water below 18.7 °C | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethanol, carbon tetrachloride, ethyl ether; very soluble in acetone, benzene, chloroform | HSDB | ||
| In water, 6.86X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 54 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 53.5 mmHg | CAMEO | ||
| 57.07 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -15 °C (5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -8.89 °C (16 °F) | HSDB | ||
| -6.67 °C (20 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 248.89 °C (480 °F) | HSDB | |
| 450 °C (842 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 230 °C (446 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.49 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.48 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| 3.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor detection in air= 9.00X10-2 ppm (purity not specified) | HSDB | |
| Odor recognition in air= 2.80X10-1 ppm (purity not specified) | HSDB | ||
| Odor low: 0.36 mg/cu m; Odor high: 1.12 mg/cu m | HSDB | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 262.45 °C (504.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Liquid triethylamine will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Triethylamine
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
TRIETHYLAMINE reacts violently with oxidizing agents. Reacts with Al and Zn. Neutralizes acids in exothermic reactions to form salts plus water. May be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen may be generated in combination with strong reducing agents, such as hydrides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Triethylamine in the storage compatibility matrix →