Triethanolamine

Triethylamine is thechemicalcompound with the formula N(CH2CH3)3, commonly abbreviated Et3N. It is also abbreviatedTEA, yet this abbreviation must be used carefully to avoid confusion with triethanolamine or tetraethylammonium, for which TEAis also a common abbreviation. Triethanolamine is used primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant. It is a common ingredient in formulations used for both industrial and consumer products. The triethanolamine neutralizes fatty acids, adjusts and buffers the pH, and solubilizes oils and other ingredients that are not completely soluble in water.