Triethylamine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Triethylamine, also known as N,N-diethylethanamine, TEA, TEN, or N,N,N-Triethylamine, is a colorless, volatile liquid with a strong, unpleasant and fishy smell reminiscent of ammonia. From the chemical point of view it is a tertiary amine with formula N(C₂H₅)₃.

Triethylamine is commonly employed in organic synthesis as a base, most often in the preparation of esters and amides with acyl chlorides. Such reactions lead to the production of hydrogen chloride which combines with triethylamine to form the salt triethylamine hydrochloride, commonly called triethylammonium chloride. This reaction removes the strongly acidic hydrogen chloride from the reaction mixture, which can otherwise lead to side reactions.

Triethylamine is also used for the preparation of quaternary ammonium compounds and in the synthesis of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings. As a catalyst Triethylamine is used to help cross-linking of polyurethane foams, but also for the synthesis of epoxy and phenolic resins. Other applications of Triethylamine include curing, hardening and corrosion inhibition for polymers and its use as a propellant.

Triethylamine is a flammable and corrosive liquid and should be handled with care. It is dangerous if inhaled or in contact with the skin and eyes: exposure can result in burns, mild soreness and possibly headache, nausea and vomiting. Triethylamine is also mutagenic in case of chronic exposure.

[edit] External links

• US EPA - Air Toxics Website

• Links to external chemical sources