Diethanolamine [C4H11NO2 or (CH2CH2OH)2NH] Amaris Chemicals

Diethanolamine

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Diethanolamine is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a mild ammonia-like odor. It is a secondary amine and diol, widely used in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. DEA is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents. It acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of surfactants, emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and pharmaceuticals. It is valued for its alkalinity, emulsifying properties, and ability to form stable complexes with fatty acids.

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Categories: Builders, Chelating Agents, pH Adjusters, Surfactants(cleaning), Surfactants(cosmetic) Tags: Cleaning products manufacturing, DEA, Diethanolamine, Organic amine, Personal care formulation, pH adjuster

Description

Table of Contents

Diethanolamine

Primary Uses

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Emulsifier and Surfactant Precursor: Used in producing DEA-based surfactants like cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA, which act as foam boosters, emulsifiers, and thickening agents in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers.
pH Adjuster: Helps adjust and buffer pH in personal care formulations to ensure product stability and skin compatibility.
Hair Conditioning Agents: DEA derivatives condition hair and improve texture in shampoos and styling products.Industrial Applications

Gas Treatment and Purification: Used in gas sweetening processes to remove acidic gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from natural gas and refinery streams through amine gas treating.
Corrosion Inhibitors: Formulates corrosion inhibitors in oil and gas pipelines, cooling water systems, and metalworking fluids.
Textile & Leather Industry: Functions as a neutralizing agent and emulsifier in dyeing, tanning, and finishing processes.Chemical Intermediate

Synthesis of Surfactants & Detergents: DEA is a key raw material for manufacturing various amidoamines, fatty acid amides, and other surfactants.
Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Used in the synthesis of drugs, antiseptics, and agricultural chemicals.Agriculture

Herbicide Formulations: Employed as an intermediate or surfactant in herbicide and pesticide formulations to improve spreadability and efficacy.

Secondary Uses

Gas and Oil Industry

Utilized as a neutralizing agent and corrosion inhibitor in refinery processes and enhanced oil recovery.Water Treatment

Acts as a chelating and pH control agent in industrial water treatment systems.Paints and Coatings

Used as an additive in paints, varnishes, and coatings to improve emulsification and stability.Household Cleaning Products

Incorporated in detergents and cleaning formulations as a foam stabilizer and pH adjuster.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2,2'-Iminodiethanol
Common/Trade Name: Diethanolamine, DEA
CAS Number: 111-42-2
HS Code: 2922.49.00
Molecular Formula: C4H11NO2
Synonyms:
- DEA
- 2,2'-Iminodiethanol
- Diethylene glycol monoamine

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid
Odor: Mild ammonia-like
Melting Point: 28–30°C (solidifies near room temperature)
Boiling Point: 269°C (at 760 mmHg)
Density: Approx. 1.09 g/cm³
Solubility: Miscible with water and many organic solvents
pH (10% aqueous solution): 11.0–12.0 (alkaline)
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; reacts with strong oxidizers and acids

Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Corrosive to skin and eyes; harmful if inhaled or swallowed
Toxicity: Can cause skin irritation and sensitization; long-term exposure linked to carcinogenicity concerns in some jurisdictions
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 5 mg/m³ (as aerosol)

Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from acids and oxidizers
Container Type: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or steel drums with proper linings
Shelf Life: 1–2 years under proper storage
Handling Precautions: Use PPE; avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

REACH Registered
Listed under various national chemical inventories (TSCA, DSL, EINECS)
Restricted in some cosmetic applications due to carcinogenicity concerns (check local regulations)

Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic life; avoid environmental discharge
Persistence: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low potential

Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Classified as possibly carcinogenic by IARC (Group 2B) under certain exposure conditions

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required:

Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Safety goggles or face shield
Lab coat or protective apron
Respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate

Handling Guidelines:

Avoid inhalation of vapors and aerosols
Prevent skin and eye contact
Use local exhaust ventilation or work in a fume hood
Handle away from acids, oxidizers, and heat sources

Storage Measures:

Keep container tightly closed and upright
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances
Avoid exposure to moisture and ignition sources

Hygiene Practices:

Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Use good industrial hygiene and housekeeping

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty develops
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek emergency medical care

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible liquid; emits toxic fumes when heated or burned
Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide
Special Precautions: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other toxic gases