Triethylamine (TEA) — properties & hazards overview
Boiling point
≈ 89 °C
Flash point
−11 °C (CC)
Vapour pressure (20 °C)
≈ 57 hPa
Water solubility
Miscible
Flammability
Highly flammable vapour
Toxicity
Irritant / corrosive
Chronic risk
Odour fatigue
Environmental
Air / water pollutant
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Physical state | Colourless, volatile liquid with strong ammonia-like odour; lighter than water. |
| Odour threshold | ≈ 0.5 ppm (very low; easily detected at trace levels). |
| Typical sources | Epoxy resin catalysts, foundry core binders, corrosion inhibitors, and neutralizing amine emissions. |
| Reactivity | Strong base; forms heat-releasing salts with acids; attacks some plastics and coatings. |
| Best analytical detection | FTIR spectroscopy — offers high selectivity for tertiary amines via characteristic C–N and N–H vibrational bands; ideal for continuous gas monitoring without reagent use. |
*Exposure limit (TWA): ≈ 1 ppm; verify with local OELs. Use explosion-proof monitoring and ventilation.