---

Identification of 111-42-2
Name:
Diethanolamine (Related Reference)
EINECS:
203-868-0
Molecular Formula:
C4H11NO2
CAS Registry Number:
111-42-2
Synonyms:
2,2-Iminodiethanol; diolamine; Bis(beta-hydroxyethyl)amine; DEA; 2,2'-Iminodiethanol
InChI:
InChI=1/C4H11NO2/c6-3-1-5-2-4-7/h5-7H,1-4H2
Molecular Structure:

This structure is also available as a 2d Mol fileChemical Properties
Appearance:
solid or viscous liquid with an amine odour
Molecular Weight:
105.14
Density:
1.096
Boiling Point:
268℃
Melting Point:
27-30℃
Flash Point:
179℃
Storage Temperature:
Store at RT
Refractive index:
1.475-1.479
Solubility:
Miscible
Stability:
Stable. Incompatible with carbon dioxide, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents. Deliquescent.Safety Data of 111-42-2
Risk Codes:
R22;R38;R41;R48/22
Safety Statements:
S26;S36/37/39;S46

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Diethanolamine, often abbreviated as DEA or DEOA, is an organic compound with the formula HN(CH₂CH₂OH)₂. Pure diethanolamine is a white solid at room temperature, but its tendency to absorb water and to supercool^[1] mean it is often encountered as a colorless, viscous liquid. Diethanolamine is polyfunctional, being a secondary amine and a diol. Like other organic amines, diethanolamine acts as a weak base. Reflecting the hydrophilic character of the alcohol groups, DEA is soluble in water. Amides prepared from DEA are often also hydrophilic.

 

 

Production[edit]

The reaction of ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia first produces ethanolamine:

C₂H₄O + NH₃ → H₂NCH₂CH₂OH

which reacts with a second and third equivalent of ethylene oxide to give DEA and triethanolamine:

C₂H₄O + H₂NCH₂CH₂OH → HN(CH₂CH₂OH)₂

C₂H₄O + HN(CH₂CH₂OH)₂ → N(CH₂CH₂OH)₃

About 300M kg are produced annually in this way.^[2] The ratio of the products can be controlled by changing thestoichiometry of the reactants.^[3]

Uses[edit]

DEA is used as a surfactant and a corrosion inhibitor. It is used to remove hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxidefrom natural gas.

In oil refineries, a DEA in water solution is commonly used to remove hydrogen sulfide from sour gas. It has an advantage over a similar amine ethanolamine in that a higher concentration may be used for the same corrosion potential. This allows refiners to scrub hydrogen sulfide at a lower circulating amine rate with less overall energy usage.

DEA is a chemical feedstock used in the production of morpholine.^[2][3]

Amides derived from DEA and fatty acids, known as diethanolamides, are amphiphilic.

Commonly used ingredients that may contain DEA[edit]

DEA is used in the production of diethanolamides, which are common ingredients in cosmetics and shampoos added to confer a creamy texture and foaming action. Consequently, some cosmetics that include diethanolamides as ingredients may contain traces of DEA.^{[citation needed]} Some of the most commonly used diethanolamides include:

• Cocamide DEA
• DEA-Cetyl Phosphate
• DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate
• Lauramide DEA
• Myristamide DEA
• Oleamide DEA

Safety[edit]

DEA is a potential skin irritant in workers sensitized by exposure to water-based metalworking fluids.^[4] One study showed that DEA inhibits in baby mice the absorption of choline, which is necessary for brain development and maintenance;^[5] however, a study in humans determined that dermal treatment for 1 month with a commercially available skin lotion containing DEA resulted in DEA levels that were "far below those concentrations associated with perturbed brain development in the mouse".^[6] In a mouse study of chronic exposure to inhaled DEA at high concentrations (above 150 mg/m³), DEA was found to induce body and organ weight changes, clinical and histopathological changes, indicative of mild blood, liver, kidney and testicular systemic toxicity.^[7] A 2009 study found that DEA has potential acute, chronic and subchronic toxicity properties for aquatic species.^[8]