Methods for the Synthesis of Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a highly demanded product in medium- and low-tonnage chemistry used in many fields of production (textile and cement industry, production of coolant-lubricants, cosmetics, household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc.), which dictates wide requirements to its quality. The quality of the product and its consumer properties depend on the production technology. The review considers various methods for TEA production, including catalytic processes, from the viewpoint of product purity and applications. Some possible methods for further improving the consumer properties of TEA were also discussed.