Triethylamine, also known as N,N-diethylamine, is the simplest tertiary amine with three ethyl groups. It exhibits typical properties of tertiary amines, including salt formation and oxidation, and is widely used as a solvent and base in organic synthesis. It is commonly abbreviated as Et3N, NEt3, or TEA. Triethylamine does not react in the Hisberg reaction.

It is a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid with a strong ammonia-like odor and slight smoke formation in air. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in ethanol and ether. Its aqueous solution is alkaline. It is flammable and its vapor can form explosive mixtures with air. It is toxic and highly irritating.

Production of Triethylamine 

Triethylamine is produced by the reaction of ethanol and ammonia in the presence of a copper-nickel-montmorillonite catalyst under heating conditions. The reaction yields monoethylamine and diethylamine as intermediates. The products are condensed, absorbed by ethanol spray to obtain crude triethylamine, and then further processed through separation, dehydration, and distillation to obtain pure triethylamine.

Applications of Triethylamine

Triethylamine is widely used as an organic ligand in various industries such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and chemicals for the removal of hydrogen chloride. It is used in the production of piperacillin acid and its intermediate 4-ethyl-2,3-dioxopyrazine acyl chloride, as well as in the production of glyphosate by the dialkylphosphite method and ethylene carbonate. It is also extensively used as a dechlorination reagent in the production process of electrolyte additive vinylene carbonate (VC) due to the high downstream demand. Additionally, it is also used as an additive for the new lithium salt LiFSi.

Triethylamine can also be used as polymerization inhibitor, curing agent, preservative, catalyst and other products.

Triethylamine Industry Chain

Due to the high demand for lithium-ion batteries driven by the domestic market, the production capacity and output of triethylamine used as a dechlorination reagent in the production of VC and as an additive in lithium salt LiFSi are expected to increase continuously. The supply side is relatively concentrated, with a total production capacity of about 101,000 tons. The new capacity is limited and focused on a few leading enterprises.

Development status of triethylamine industry

New energy vehicle production and sales continue to grow, driving the rapid development of the lithium battery industry. Vinylene carbonate (VC) occupies a major share of the lithium battery electrolyte additive market, and triethylamine is its main raw material, with growing market demand.

Triethylamine Market

Due to the high demand for lithium-ion batteries driven by the domestic market, the production capacity and output of triethylamine used as a dechlorination reagent in the production of VC and as an additive in lithium salt LiFSi are expected to increase continuously. The supply side is relatively concentrated, with a total production capacity of about 101,000 tons. The new capacity is limited and focused on a few leading enterprises.

Technical Specifications of Triethylamine

With the promotion of economic development and technological innovation, new energy vehicles have become the main demand for triethylamine. The production of triethylamine in China is expected to continue growing, offering vast development prospects for the industry.

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