Triethanolamine borate NEW

Triethanolamine borate is a chemical compound formed by the reaction of triethanolamine (a tertiary amine) with boric acid. It is a coordination complex or ester where boron interacts with the hydroxyl groups of triethanolamine, creating a stable compound with unique properties. Below is a detailed overview:

Structure and Synthesis

• Chemical Structure:

• Triethanolamine (TEA): ${\text{N(CH}}_2{\text{CH}}_2{\text{OH)}}_3$${\text{N(CH}}_2{\text{CH}}_2{\text{OH)}}_3$N(CH2CH2OH)3, a viscous liquid with three ethanol groups attached to a central nitrogen atom.

  Borate: Derived from boric acid (H3BO3), boron forms a tetrahedral complex with the hydroxyl groups of TEA.

  The resulting compound is a borate ester or coordination complex, often represented as or ${\text{[B(OCH}}_2{\text{CH}}_2{\text{)}}_3\text{N]}$[B(OCH2CH2)3N].

• Synthesis:
  Produced by mixing triethanolamine and boric acid under mild heating. The reaction involves esterification or Lewis acid-base interactions, where boron (a Lewis acid) binds to the oxygen atoms of TEA’s hydroxyl groups.

Key Properties

Physical State: Typically a clear, viscous liquid or hygroscopic solid.

Solubility: Water-soluble due to polar hydroxyl groups; miscible with many organic solvents.

Stability: Stable under moderate pH and temperature, but may hydrolyze in strongly acidic or alkaline conditions.

pH Buffering: Acts as a buffer in solutions, maintaining pH stability.

Applications

Personal Care Products:

• Used in cosmetics (e.g., creams, lotions) as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, or viscosity modifier.

• Found in eye drops and contact lens solutions for its mild buffering capacity.

  Industrial Uses:

• Corrosion Inhibition: Protects metal surfaces in cooling systems or lubricants.

• Polymer Chemistry: Serves as a crosslinker in borate-based gels (e.g., fracturing fluids in oil drilling).

• Adhesives: Enhances bonding strength in water-based adhesives.

  Laboratory Reagent:

• Used as a boron source or buffer in biochemical assays.

  Antifreeze Additive:

• Occasionally added to antifreeze mixtures for its stabilizing properties.

Safety and Handling

• Toxicity: Generally low toxicity, but prolonged exposure may cause skin/eye irritation.

• Environmental Impact: Boron compounds can be toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations.

• Precautions: Use gloves and goggles; avoid inhalation. Dispose of according to local regulations.

Differentiation from Similar Compounds

• Unlike simple borate salts (e.g., sodium borate), triethanolamine borate has organic components that enhance solubility and reduce corrosiveness.

• Compared to other amine borates, TEA borate offers better compatibility with aqueous and organic systems.

Example Uses

• Oil Industry: Crosslinks guar gum in hydraulic fracturing fluids to create viscous gels.

• Cosmetics: Stabilizes emulsions in moisturizers.

• Pharmaceuticals: Buffers ophthalmic solutions.

This compound bridges organic and inorganic chemistry, offering versatility in industrial, cosmetic, and biomedical applications due to its dual functionality as a buffer and crosslinking agent.