i need to trigger a triac using a output pin of the 89c52, but the current is too low to trigger the triac, can anyone suggest a circuit to boost the current?

Hi,
If you use o/p as dimmer then better to go for Opto Triac. which can drive your main Triac.

the triac is used for power control of an immersion heater using different firing angles, im using an moc3041 to trigger the triac, it has an optoisolator but i still need to boost the current for the trigger

im attaching the datasheet if the moc as well...
moc3041-m.pdf

Just use a general purpose npn for sinking....sth like this..

hey thanks man, it worked out just fine