Triethanolamine (CAS 102-71-6) — Citrus N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient
Triethanolamine
CAS 102-71-6
What Is Triethanolamine?
Triethanolamine is a synthetic compound primarily used as an emulsifier and pH adjuster in cosmetics and personal care products. You’ll encounter it in shampoos, liquid soaps, and shaving creams where it helps blend oil and water components. While not a fragrance ingredient itself, it plays a crucial role in stabilizing scent formulations and maintaining product consistency across temperature changes.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Triethanolamine Smell Like?
Triethanolamine itself has a faint, slightly ammoniacal odor reminiscent of stale soap. In formulations, it contributes no significant scent profile but helps maintain the integrity of fragrance compositions by preventing separation. Its neutral character makes it compatible with most scent families without altering their olfactory characteristics during product shelf life.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: OCCN(CCO)CCO
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Triethanolamine (TEA) is an organic compound belonging to the ethanolamine class, synthesized by reacting ethylene oxide with ammonia. This tertiary amine contains both hydroxyl and amine functional groups, giving it surfactant properties. Industrially produced through continuous processes, its molecular structure allows it to form stable complexes with fatty acids and other organic compounds. The compound exists as a viscous liquid at room temperature with high water solubility.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 335 °C |
| Density | 1.124 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.485 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Formulations | 0.5-5% | Up to 10% | Emulsifier and pH buffer |
| Hair Care | 1-3% | 0.5-5% | Improves foam stability |
| Shaving Products | 2-8% | 1-10% | Softeners and lubricants |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use triethanolamine to neutralize fatty acids in soap-based formulations while maintaining clarity in transparent products.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar pH adjusting properties but with higher skin sensitization potential.
Stronger base alternative requiring careful handling due to higher alkalinity.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA as it is not a fragrance material.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated triethanolamine as safe for current cosmetic use patterns.
Sustainability
As a petrochemical derivative, triethanolamine’s environmental impact stems from its fossil fuel origins. Manufacturers are developing bio-based alternatives using renewable feedstocks. Proper wastewater treatment is essential as it can contribute to nitrogen loading in aquatic systems.
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References
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2006). Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Triethanolamine. DOI: 10.3109/10915818209021294
- EPA Fact Sheet (2011). Triethanolamine. EPA PDF
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 102-71-6Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 149.19 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | -1🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 335.4 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.01 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 185 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0009💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -4.32💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | C(CO)N(CCO)CCO🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Base💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 1.6 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Functional Groups | alcohol💻 RDKit |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 98.7927 ppm (n=2)📖 van Gemert |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID9021392
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 149.19 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.122 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 338.122 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 28.281 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 183.142 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.511 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 127.347 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | -1.146 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | -3.47 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | -1.71 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 7.26 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 6.703 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.002 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 65.761 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 47.074 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 219.827 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 63.93 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 3 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 6 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 38.172 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 15.133 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
