Hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine (CAS 4719-04-4) is a broad-spectrum, high-efficiency industrial biocide and preservative. It’s a colorless to light-yellow viscous liquid that is highly soluble in water and has a low toxicity profile.
Here is a breakdown of its key characteristics and applications:
Key Properties
Property Details
Common Names Hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-triazine, MEA Triazine, 1# Preservative, 羟乙基六氢均三嗪.
Molecular Formula C₉H₂₁N₃O₃
Molecular Weight 219.28 g/mol
Appearance Colorless to light yellow, transparent liquid.
Density Approximately 1.15 – 1.17 g/cm³ at 25°C.
Active Content Typically available as a 74-78% solution.
pH (original solution) 9.0 – 12.0, making it suitable for neutral, weak alkaline, and alkaline environments.
Main Applications
This compound is widely used across various industrial sectors due to its effectiveness against bacteria, fungi, and yeast.
Paper & Pulp Industry: Used as a preservative in paper coatings, emulsions, and starch suspensions. For example, it can be added to coated paper at 250 kg/t for anti-mold effects.
Metalworking Fluids: Added to cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and rolling emulsions to prevent microbial degradation. Typical dosages are 0.1-0.5% in working fluids and 3-5% in concentrates.
Water-Based Products: Effective as a preservative in paints, latex paints, adhesives, detergents, and leather polishes.
Oilfield & Industrial Water Treatment: Used to control microbial growth in oilfield applications and industrial water systems.
Mechanism and Advantages
Its sustained antimicrobial effect comes from a unique mechanism involving the release of formaldehyde over time. Key advantages include:
Broad-Spectrum: Effective against bacteria, fungi, yeast, and sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Stability: Maintains activity under high temperatures and alkaline conditions, and does not cause discoloration.
Compatibility: Compatible with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants, as well as other industrial additives.
Low Toxicity: Considered low toxicity at use concentrations and is metal-free, so it won’t corrode equipment.
Safety & Handling
Despite its low toxicity profile at use concentrations, it’s important to handle it with care as it can be a skin and eye irritant.
Potential Hazards: May cause allergic skin reactions, is harmful if swallowed, and can cause severe eye irritation.
Protection: Always wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye/face protection when handling the concentrate.
First Aid: In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice.