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.

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Category: Surfactants(cleaning) Tags: Ethanolamine, Gas treating chemical, MEA, Monoethanolamine, Organic amine, pH adjuster, Surfactant intermediate

Description

Table of Contents

Mono Ethanol Amine

Primary Uses

Gas Treatment and Scrubbing
- Used extensively for removing acidic gases such as CO₂ and H₂S from natural gas and refinery gas streams (amine gas sweetening).
- Utilized in gas purification to prevent corrosion and improve fuel quality.
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.
Chemical Intermediate
- Key intermediate for manufacturing emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, textile chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
- Used to produce MEA-based solvents and additives.

Secondary Uses

Personal Care Products
- Used in shampoos and skin care formulations as a pH adjuster and emulsifier.
Agriculture
- Incorporated in herbicides and pesticides formulations as a stabilizer or surfactant.
Water Treatment
- Applied in boiler water treatment to neutralize acidic impurities and control pH.
CO₂ Capture in Carbon Capture Technologies
- Used in industrial carbon capture processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. 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

2. 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)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: Corrosive (Skin corrosion category 1B), Serious eye damage (Category1)
Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL – 3 ppm (8-hour TWA)

4. 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

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Complies with REACH, OSHA, and EPA regulations
Listed on TSCA inventory for chemical substances

6. 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

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical care for burns
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek urgent medical attention
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 CO₂
Special Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, ammonia