Mono Ethanol Amine

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Mono Ethanol Amine (MEA) is a clear, colorless, hygroscopic liquid with an ammonia-like odor. It is an organic chemical compound combining both amine and alcohol functional groups. MEA is widely used as a versatile chemical intermediate and is especially important in gas treatment, detergents, and chemical manufacturing due to its alkalinity and solubility in water and organic solvents.

Description

Primary Uses

  1. Gas Treatment and Scrubbing

    • Used extensively for removing acidic gases such as COâ‚‚ and Hâ‚‚S from natural gas and refinery gas streams (amine gas sweetening).

    • Utilized in gas purification to prevent corrosion and improve fuel quality.

  2. Detergents and Surfactants

    • Acts as a raw material in the production of soaps, detergents, and surfactants.

    • Enhances foaming and cleaning properties in household and industrial cleaning agents.

  3. Chemical Intermediate

    • Key intermediate for manufacturing emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, textile chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

    • Used to produce MEA-based solvents and additives.

Secondary Uses

  1. Personal Care Products

    • Used in shampoos and skin care formulations as a pH adjuster and emulsifier.

  2. Agriculture

    • Incorporated in herbicides and pesticides formulations as a stabilizer or surfactant.

  3. Water Treatment

    • Applied in boiler water treatment to neutralize acidic impurities and control pH.

  4. COâ‚‚ Capture in Carbon Capture Technologies

    • Used in industrial carbon capture processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-Aminoethanol

  • Common/Trade Name: Mono Ethanol Amine, MEA

  • CAS Number: 141-43-5

  • HS Code: 2922.49.90

  • Synonyms: Ethanolamine; 2-Hydroxyethylamine

Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid

  • Color & Odor: Colorless; ammonia-like odor

  • Boiling Point: 170.8°C

  • Melting Point: 10.5°C

  • Density: 1.01 g/cm³

  • Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents

  • pH (1% solution): Approx. 11.5 – 12.5 (alkaline)

Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • GHS Classification: Corrosive (Skin corrosion category 1B), Serious eye damage (Category 1)

  • Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; causes severe skin burns and eye damage

  • Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL – 3 ppm (8-hour TWA)

Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from acids and oxidizers

  • Container Type: Supplied in HDPE drums, steel drums, or tanks

  • Shelf Life: Typically 12 months if stored properly

  • Handling Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection; avoid inhalation and skin contact

 

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Complies with REACH, OSHA, and EPA regulations

  • Listed on TSCA inventory for chemical substances

 

Environmental & Health Impact

  • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable

  • Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life in high concentrations; avoid environmental release

  • Bioaccumulation: Low potential

  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic

 

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE Required: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, and respirator recommended

  • Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid skin and eye contact

  • Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; store separately from acids and oxidizers

 

First Aid Measures

  1. Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur

  2. Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical care for burns

  3. Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek urgent medical attention

  4. Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek immediate medical attention

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Combustible liquid; may release toxic fumes on burning

  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚

  • Special Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear

  • Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, ammonia