Triethylamine

Triethylamine was detected in the plasma of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal adenocarcinoma(1).

USDA APHIS Chemical Effects: collection=usda_chemeffect&query_type=synonym&query='^121-44-8$'

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), triethylamine, which has a vapor pressure of 57.07 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase triethylamine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4.2 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 9.3X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Triethylamine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of triethylamine can be estimated to be 51(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that triethylamine is expected to have high mobility in soil. The pKa of triethylamine is 10.78(3), indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).

ANAEROBIC: Triethylamine was found to be persistent under anaerobic conditions(1).

Measured BCF values of <0.5 and <4.9 were reported in carp (Cyprinus carpio; lipid content, 3.9%), exposed to triethylamine at 0.5 and 0.05 mg/L, respectively, over a 6-week period(1). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCFs suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

A pKa of 10.78(1) indicates triethylamine will exist almost entirely in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9. Volatilization from water and moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important environmental fate because cations do not volatilize(SRC). Triethylamine is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 57.07 mm Hg(1).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of triethylamine with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 9.3X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 4.2 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Triethylamine is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Triethylamine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(2) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Experiments show that triethylamine reacts with NO-NO2-H20 mixtures to form diethylnitroamine both in the dark an...

Triethylamine has been identified as a volatile component of boiled beef(1).

Triethylamine has been reported in an effluent sample from the plastics and synthetics industry at 356.5 mg/L(1). It is emitted from sewage treatment plants(2). Anthropogenic releases of triethylamine by industry in the US to the atmosphere, surface water, underwater injections, land, and off-site were 2.3X10+5, 2299, 1.3X10+5, 10, and 2961 lbs, respectively, for the year 2014(3).

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

... amines from decomposing fish ... /Amines/

SOURCE DOMINATED: In 1983, triethylamine was detected in an unspecified location (suspected industrial facility) in the United States at <4.2 ug/cu m(1).

Triethylamine's production and use in the synthesis of semisynthetic penicillins and cephalosporins, as a polyurethane catalysts, an anti-corrosion agent, in paper, textile and photographic auxiliaries, and in anodic electro-coating(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

SOIL: Triethylamine was identified in uncultivated loamy soil from the Moscow, Russia region. Since this soil is uncultivated, it is possible that the amines are formed naturally rather than being a contaminant or a metabolite of a fertilizer or pesticide(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 68,091 workers (9701 of these are female) were potentially exposed to triethylamine in the US(1). Occupational exposure to triethylamine may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where triethylamine is produced or used(SRC). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to triethylamine via inhalation of tobacco smoke and ambient air, ingestion of food, and dermal contact with consumer products containing triethylamine(SRC). Workers in a gray-iron foundry and polyurethane manufacture facility were exposed to 0.01-12.3 ppm and 6-13 mg/cu m of triethylamine, respectively(2). The long-term and short-term personal breathing zone of workers at 42 different foundries usi...

Triethylamine is reported as a component found in tobacco smoke(1). Triethylamine is listed as an ingredient in two household use products (floor finish, stump and vine killer)(2).

Triethylamine's production and use as a solvent, catalyst, binding resin and chemical intermediate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 57.07 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates triethylamine will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase triethylamine will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4.2 hours. Triethylamine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, triethylamine is expected to have high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 51. The pKa of triethylamine is 10....

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; In Animals: myocardial, kidney, liver damage

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys

LCLo (rat) = 1,000 ppm/4 hr

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Triethylamine (TEA) is a colorless liquid. It is used as catalytic solvent in chemical synthesis; accelerator activators for rubber; wetting, penetrating, and waterproofing agents of quaternary ammonium types; curing and hardening of polymers; corrosion inhibitor; propellant. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Aside from irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, triethylamine also stimulates the central nervous system, because it inhibits monamine oxidase. Experimental studies were conducted in four healthy men on the metabolism of inhaled TEA (20 mg/cu m) with and without ethanol ingestion. Three subjects displayed visual disturbances in the experiments without ethanol. These same subjects did not experience any visual disturbances in those experiments containing...

Inhalation Chronic Reference Concentration Reference: IRIS Current

LD50 Rat oral 460 mg/kg

Soil Saturation Concentration (mg/kg): 2.79e+04

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. If patient is unresponsive to these measures, vasopressors may be helpful. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Administer 1% solution methylene blue if patient is symptoma...

Soil Saturation Concentration (mg/kg): 2.79e+04