Primarily used as a base, catalyst, solvent, and raw material in organic synthesis, it is also employed as a high-energy fuel, rubber vulcanization accelerator, inhibitor for tetrafluoroethylene polymerization, surfactant, wetting agent, preservative, and bactericide.

Triethylamine is the simplest symmetrical trisubstituted tertiary amine that is liquid at room temperature, making it widely used as a solvent and base in organic synthesis. It is commonly abbreviated as Et3N, NEt3, or TEA. It is one of the most frequently used organic bases in organic synthesis, with a boiling point around 89 degrees Celsius, making it relatively easy to remove via distillation.