At room temperature, it is a colorless, transparent, viscous liquid with a slight ammonia odor. It has hygroscopicity and can absorb moisture and carbon dioxide from the air. Can mix freely with water and alcohol, soluble in chloroform, slightly soluble in benzene and ether. The pH of the 0.1moI/L solution is 10.5. There is a risk of combustion when exposed to high heat, open flames, or contact with oxidants. Its aqueous solution is corrosive.
Triethanolamine is an important corrosion inhibitor component used in boiler water treatment, automotive engine coolant, drilling and cutting oil agents. It can also be used as a surfactant, textile specialist, wax, polishing agent, herbicide, petroleum demulsifier, cosmetics, cement additive, cutting oil, etc.