Cement grinding
Adsorbs on freshly broken clinker surfaces and reduces agglomeration, raising mill output at very low dosage.
dosage typically 0.01–0.05%
Need a quote?+91 9819 11 11 79
Request a Quote
1,1′,1″-Nitrilotripropan-2-ol · TIPA 99% (solid) and TIPA 85% aqueous, LR and AR grades
Triisopropanolamine is the tertiary member of the isopropanolamine family — three branched hydroxypropyl arms on one nitrogen — and a high-performance cement grinding aid, polyurethane crosslinker and coatings additive. Chelora Amines supplies it worldwide to cement, polyurethane, coatings, metalworking and chemical plants across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, as well as throughout India, with a batch-wise COA and SDS on every dispatch.
108.10 + 21.17 + 14.01 + 48.00 = 191.27 g/mol
Triisopropanolamine, usually shortened to TIPA and also called 1,1′,1″-nitrilotripropan-2-ol or tris(2-hydroxypropyl)amine, is a tertiary amine with three branched hydroxypropyl groups. It is a mild base, very low in volatility and soluble in water.
Pure TIPA is a white, waxy solid that melts at about 45–50 °C. It is supplied as a solid in drums or flakes for melting, or as TIPA 85% — an aqueous solution with about 15% water that is liquid at normal temperatures and is the usual choice for cement additive blending.
TIPA is made by reacting propylene oxide with ammonia, which gives MIPA, DIPA and TIPA together; TIPA is recovered as the heaviest distillation cut. As a tertiary amine, it does not form amides or carbamates, and it is not on the Chemical Weapons Convention schedules.
| Chemical name | 1,1′,1″-Nitrilotripropan-2-ol (triisopropanolamine) |
| Common synonyms | Triisopropanolamine, TIPA, tris(2-hydroxypropyl)amine, 1,1′,1″-nitrilotri-2-propanol |
| CAS number | 122-20-3 |
| EC / EINECS number | 204-528-4 |
| HS / HSN code | 2922 19 (harmonised heading used worldwide; HSN 2922 19 on Indian invoices) |
| Molecular formula | C₉H₂₁NO₃ ([CH₃CH(OH)CH₂]₃N) |
| Molecular weight | 191.27 g/mol |
| Appearance | White waxy solid or flakes; clear liquid when molten or as TIPA 85% |
| Odour | Faint, ammoniacal |
| Melting point | About 45–50 °C |
| Boiling point | About 305 °C |
| Density | About 1.0 g/cm³ (molten) |
| Vapour pressure | Below 0.01 hPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in water | Very soluble |
| pH | About 10–11 (aqueous solution) |
| Flash point | About 160 °C (closed cup) |
| Transport | Generally not regulated as a dangerous good for transport — confirm on the SDS for your batch |
Figures are typical literature values for orientation. Values for the material you order are stated on its Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet.
A tertiary nitrogen and three secondary hydroxyl groups explain what TIPA is used for: grinding and strength enhancement in cement, crosslinking in polyurethanes, and mild neutralisation and chelation in formulations.
Adsorbs on freshly broken clinker surfaces and reduces agglomeration, raising mill output at very low dosage.
dosage typically 0.01–0.05%Complexes iron and aluminium during hydration and promotes ferrite-phase reactions, improving later-age compressive strength.
complementary to TEAThe three secondary hydroxyls react with isocyanates, so TIPA acts as a crosslinker and chain extender in foams and elastomers.
TIPA + 3 R–NCO → crosslinkNeutralises fatty acids, acrylic binders and carbomers to give soaps and salts for coatings, emulsions and gels.
RCOOH + TIPA → RCOO⁻ TIPAH⁺Holds metal ions such as iron and aluminium in solution, useful in cement chemistry and cleaners.
Mⁿ⁺ + TIPA → complexThe hydroxyl groups react with fatty acids to give esters used as emulsifiers and softener intermediates.
TIPA + RCOOH → esterAlkoxylation with propylene or ethylene oxide gives amine-initiated polyols for rigid foams.
TIPA + n PO → polyolProvides alkalinity and film-forming soaps in metalworking fluids and corrosion-inhibitor packages.
mild base, low volatilityProcess notes. Pure TIPA is solid below about 45 °C — melt it gently and evenly, or use TIPA 85%. In cement, TIPA is usually dosed in combination with TEA, glycols and acetates; the right ratio depends on the clinker, so trial it on your own mill. Neutralisation is mildly exothermic.
Discuss your processTIPA comes out of the same reactor as MIPA and DIPA. Knowing how it is made explains why the specification controls DIPA, water and colour.
Propylene oxide is fed into ammonia at a low ammonia ratio, which favours the tri-substituted product.
The exothermic ring-opening reaction runs in the liquid phase under pressure and controlled temperature.
The reactor delivers MIPA, DIPA and TIPA together with unreacted ammonia and water.
Ammonia and water are stripped, then vacuum distillation takes MIPA and DIPA overhead and TIPA as the heaviest cut.
TIPA is flaked, filled molten into drums, or diluted with water to make TIPA 85%, then tested.
The real quality question is "what else came with it". Residual DIPA is a secondary amine with different reactivity and nitrosamine behaviour; water dilutes the active and lowers the melting point.
For cement users the active TIPA content drives dosage, so a consistent assay matters more than colour. For polyurethanes and coatings, water and colour matter too. Tell us your application and we will match the batch.
In sealed original packing, stored cool and dry, TIPA is normally used within twelve months, and we recommend a re-check of assay after that before a critical batch. To use solid TIPA from drums, warm the closed drum evenly to about 60–70 °C and mix before drawing.
TIPA 85% stays liquid at normal temperatures and is the simplest form for cement additive plants. Keep packs closed to avoid moisture and CO₂ pick-up. A retained sample of each batch is held here for any later query.
Tell us the application and your storage setup and we will confirm the grade. TIPA 85% covers most cement additive work; pure TIPA suits polyurethanes and anhydrous formulations.
Pure TIPA as flakes or solid in drums for polyurethanes, coatings and anhydrous formulations.
TIPA with about 15% water — liquid, easy to pump and the standard grade for cement grinding aid blending.
Tighter limits on related amines and water for R&D and QC.
| Parameter | Test method | Typical specification |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visual | White solid or flakes; clear liquid when molten |
| Purity (TIPA) | GC | ≥ 98.5 % w/w |
| Diisopropanolamine | GC | ≤ 1.0 % w/w |
| Water | Karl Fischer | ≤ 0.3 % w/w |
| Colour (molten) | APHA | ≤ 50 |
| Iron (Fe) | AAS / ICP | ≤ 2 ppm |
Indicative specification for planning. The controlling document is the Certificate of Analysis issued for your batch. If your process needs tighter limits, say so at enquiry stage and we will quote against your specification.
The answer depends on your application and whether your site can melt and keep TIPA warm. Use the table to narrow it down, then send us the application and we will confirm.
| Point of comparison | TIPA 99% (solid / molten) | TIPA 85% (aqueous) |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Polyurethanes, coatings, anhydrous formulations | Cement grinding aids and quality improvers, water-based blends |
| Physical state at 20 °C | Solid | Liquid |
| Water content | ≤ 0.3% | About 15% |
| Handling | Flake handling, drum melting or heated tank | Ordinary liquid handling |
| Packs | 25 kg bags of flakes, drums, heated ISO tanks | Drums, IBCs, tankers |
| Amine per kilogram delivered | Highest | Lower — you also pay to move water |
| Transport classification | Generally not regulated — see SDS | Generally not regulated — see SDS |
The isopropanolamines come out of the same propylene oxide reactor and do similar jobs to the ethanolamines, with a methyl branch that changes volatility, odour, nitrosamine behaviour and how they neutralise acids in a formulation.
| Property | Monoisopropanolamine (MIPA) | Diisopropanolamine (DIPA) | Triisopropanolamine (TIPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS number | 78-96-6 | 110-97-4 | 122-20-3 |
| Formula | CH₃CH(OH)CH₂NH₂ | [CH₃CH(OH)CH₂]₂NH | [CH₃CH(OH)CH₂]₃N |
| Molecular weight | 75.11 | 133.19 | 191.27 |
| Amine class | Primary | Secondary | Tertiary |
| Melting point | About −2 °C | About 42–45 °C | About 45–50 °C |
| Boiling point | About 160 °C | About 249 °C | About 305 °C |
| State at 25 °C | Clear liquid | Waxy solid; also sold as an aqueous solution | Waxy solid; also sold as an aqueous solution |
| Typical outlets | Metalworking fluids, cocamide MIPA, coatings neutraliser, emulsifiers | Gas sweetening solvents, carbomer neutraliser, coatings, polyurethanes | Cement grinding aids, polyurethanes, coatings |
Order by full name and CAS. MIPA, DIPA and TIPA are short trade names, and DIPA is also used loosely for diisopropylamine — a different, flammable amine. Write the full chemical name, the CAS number and the grade (pure or aqueous) on the enquiry and on the purchase order.
See the full amine rangeMost TIPA goes into cement additives and polyurethanes, with a tail of coatings, metalworking and personal care uses. Here is the full picture, sector by sector.
Raises mill output and improves later-age strength, usually combined with TEA, glycols and acetates in cement quality improvers.
A crosslinker and chain extender in flexible and rigid foams, elastomers and coatings, and an initiator for amine polyols.
Neutralises binders, disperses pigments and acts as a crosslinking aid in waterborne paints and inks.
Provides alkalinity, corrosion inhibition and emulsion stability in soluble oils and synthetic coolants.
A mild neutraliser for carbomer gels and fatty acids in creams and lotions.
Forms soaps and esters for emulsifiers, polishes and industrial cleaners.
Used in corrosion-inhibitor packages and rust preventives.
Used in textile auxiliaries, photographic chemicals and as a chelating base in specialty formulations.
If you are mapping a value chain or looking for the product one step down from where you are, this is where triisopropanolamine ends up. Several of these are chemicals we can also source for you.
| Derivative | Made by | End use |
|---|---|---|
| Cement grinding aid and quality improver blends | Blending with TEA, glycols and acetates | Cement mills — output and strength improvement |
| Crosslinked polyurethanes | Reaction with isocyanates | Foams, elastomers and coatings |
| TIPA-initiated polyols | Alkoxylation with PO or EO | Rigid polyurethane foams |
| TIPA soaps and salts | Neutralisation of fatty and acrylic acids | Emulsifiers, coatings and personal care |
| TIPA esters | Esterification with fatty acids | Emulsifiers and softener intermediates |
Looking for one of these rather than the amine itself? Ask us — several are within our sourcing network, and we can quote the derivative and the raw material together.
Every container carries the Chelora Amines label with product name, grade, net weight, batch number, manufacturing date, UN number where applicable and hazard pictograms.
HDPE and MS drums — solid TIPA for melting, or TIPA 85% liquid.
Forklift-ready totes for TIPA 85%, with bottom valves for cement additive plants.
Bags of TIPA flakes, plus LR / AR packs for laboratory use.
Tankers for TIPA 85% and heated ISO tanks for molten TIPA.
Share your monthly consumption and whether you blend cement additives or polyurethanes, and we will recommend the grade, pack size and delivery schedule that keeps your plant running without excess inventory. Export consignments are packed in UN-specification or export-grade containers, palletised and stretch-wrapped, and shipped FOB, CIF or CFR through Nhava Sheva and Mundra.
Plan my supplyTriisopropanolamine can cause serious eye irritation. The notes below are a summary for planning only — always work to the Safety Data Sheet supplied with your consignment and your own site risk assessment.
Triisopropanolamine is generally not classified as a dangerous good for transport, which keeps freight straightforward. Documentation, labelling and chemical-inventory requirements still apply at the destination.
| Item | Classification |
|---|---|
| Proper shipping name | Not regulated as a dangerous good in most modes — confirm on the SDS |
| UN number | None assigned for transport in most modes |
| Labels | GHS labelling for supply (eye irritation) |
| Modes | Road, sea and air as non-dangerous cargo |
| Temperature | Heated ISO tanks for molten bulk; flakes, drums and TIPA 85% ship ambient |
| Segregation | Away from strong acids, oxidisers and nitrites |
TIPA moves as ordinary chemical cargo in most cases. We confirm any destination-country inventory listing, such as REACH, and any importer registration before the shipment is booked, so customs clearance is not delayed.
Start account opening| Parameter | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White solid | Complies |
| Purity (GC) | ≥ 98.5 % | Complies |
| Diisopropanolamine | ≤ 1.0 % | Complies |
| Water (KF) | ≤ 0.3 % | Complies |
| Colour (APHA, molten) | ≤ 50 | Complies |
Triisopropanolamine is checked before dispatch and each consignment leaves with the paperwork your QC, stores and accounts teams need on day one.
The numbers on a Certificate of Analysis are only useful if you know how they were produced. These are the methods behind the figures on ours, and the checks worth repeating at your own goods-inward.
Separates triisopropanolamine from the related amines made in the same reactor, and gives the assay and impurity profile that matter most to your formulation.
An independent check on total amine content, useful as a quick goods-inward confirmation before a drum is released to production.
Water determination, which matters for anhydrous grades and confirms strength on aqueous grades.
A visual platinum–cobalt comparison. A rising colour value is the earliest sign that a pack has been exposed to air, heat or held too long.
Fast confirmation that the material is what the label says, and a simple way to spot dilution or the wrong pack.
Pure TIPA melts at about 45–50 °C; a low melting point flags water or DIPA before a drum or bag is released.
A sample from every dispatched batch is held here, so a query months later can be settled against the original material rather than an argument.
Batch number on the label ties back to the COA, the test record and the supply lot, which is what your auditor will ask to see.
Where your customer or regulator needs an independent result, we can arrange analysis at a NABL-accredited laboratory before dispatch.
Five steps for a first order of triisopropanolamine. Repeat orders follow the same route on a schedule that matches your consumption.
Grade, quantity, pack size and delivery location or destination port.
We confirm the grade for your application and quote, usually within 24 hours.
The batch is tested and the COA, SDS and invoice details are prepared.
Labelled packs move by road, or in export packing for overseas buyers.
Material reaches your gate and repeat dispatches are scheduled to your usage.
Triisopropanolamine is a commodity on a price list. What separates suppliers is grade flexibility, the paperwork and the answer you get when something is not routine.
Triisopropanolamine sits alongside more than fifty other amines we stock, from ethanolamines to fatty amines. Your purchase team raises one enquiry, compares one quote and manages one vendor record instead of six.
Different purities and supply forms of triisopropanolamine are available, so you are not forced to redesign a formulation around the only grade your supplier happens to carry.
COA, SDS, correct HSN and HS codes, transport declarations and certificates of origin are prepared with the consignment, not chased afterwards by your logistics team.
Tell us your limits on purity, related amines, water or colour and we quote against them, rather than sending the standard cut and letting your QC department find out.
Once we know your monthly draw we hold and release material on a schedule, so you carry less inventory than you otherwise would.
Describe the application rather than the product code and we will tell you which grade fits — and say so plainly when a different amine would serve you better.
Buyers who order triisopropanolamine usually source these from the same list. Open any product for its specification, grades and packing, or see the full product range.
Container shipments to buyers on five continents, plus road dispatch inside India. Tell us your country and destination port and we will quote landed terms, transit time and the documentation your customs broker will ask for.
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.
Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Türkiye, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and the Caribbean, shipped in UN-specification packaging with full DG documentation.
| Incoterms quoted | EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF and DAP, depending on your destination and preference |
| Load ports | Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with Chennai and Kolkata used for eastbound routings |
| Container options | Full container loads, and consolidated LCL shipments for smaller quantities |
| Typical container fill | Around 80 drums of 200 kg, or roughly 18 to 20 IBC totes, in a 20 ft container |
| Packing for export | UN-specification drums and totes, palletised, strapped and stretch-wrapped, with DG labelling |
| Air freight | Possible for small quantities, within dangerous goods limits where the product is classified |
| Payment terms | Advance, irrevocable letter of credit or agreed credit terms for established accounts |
| Before first shipment | Company credentials, end-use declaration and any import permit the destination country requires |
Most delays in quoting triisopropanolamine come from a missing line in the enquiry, not from availability. Send these eight details and a firm price usually comes back the same day.
Not sure of some of it yet? Send what you have. A description of the application and an approximate monthly volume is enough for us to come back with a recommended grade, a pack plan and an indicative price.
Send an enquiryPlain definitions of the words that appear on a triisopropanolamine specification, label and shipping document.
Short answers to what purchase, plant and QC teams ask us most about this product. Anything else, ask us directly.
Send the grade, quantity, pack size and your delivery address or destination port. We come back with a price, the documents that go with the batch and a dispatch or shipping plan, usually within 24 hours.