Chemicals

Diethanolamine

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Chemical Name	Diethanolamine
Synonyms	2,2'-Iminobis-Ethanol; 2,2'-Iminodi-Ethanol; 2,2'-Dihydroxydiethylamine; 2,2'-Iminobis[ethanol]; 2,2'-Iminodi-1-ethanol; 2,2'-Iminodiethanol; 2-[(2-Hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol; Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine; Bis(hydroxyethyl)amine; DEA; DEA 80; DEAO-LF; Dabco DEOA-LF; Di(2-hydroxyethyl)amine; Di(β-hydroxyethyl)amine; Diethanolamine; Diethanolamine 80; Diolamine; Iminodiethanol; N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine; N,N-Di(2-hydroxyethyl)amine; N,N-Diethanolamine; NSC 4959; Niax DEOA-LF
CAS Number	111-42-2
Molecular Formula	C₄H₁₁NO₂
Appearance	Colourless to Off-White Oil to Low-Melting Solid
Molecular Weight	105.14
Storage	4°C, Hygroscopic
Solubility	Chloroform (Sparingly), DMSO (Sparingly), Methanol (Slightly)
Stability	Hygroscopic
Category	Building Blocks; Miscellaneous;
Applications	Diethanolamine similar to triethanolamine (T775580) is used as a surfactant. It also has the potential to be a corrosion inhibitor by means of chemisorption.

Diethanolamine: Properties, Uses, and Safety Concerns

Diethanolamine (DEA) is a colorless, viscous liquid that has a sweet, ammoniacal odor. It is a compound of ethanolamine and is used in various industries, including the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and textile industries. DEA is used as a surfactant, emulsifier, and pH adjuster in various products. However, DEA has some safety concerns that need to be addressed. In this article, we will discuss the properties, uses, and safety concerns associated with diethanolamine.

Properties of Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine has a molecular formula of C4H11NO2 and a molecular weight of 105.14 g/mol. It is soluble in water and most organic solvents. DEA has a boiling point of 268°C and a melting point of -28°C. It is a weak base with a pKa of 9.1, which means that it can buffer acidic solutions.

Uses of Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine is used in various industries, including the following:

1. Cosmetics

Diethanolamine is used as an emulsifier and pH adjuster in cosmetics, such as shampoos, lotions, and soaps.

2. Textiles

Diethanolamine is used as a scouring agent and emulsifier in the textile industry to remove impurities from fabrics.

3. Pharmaceuticals

DEA is used as a solvent and emulsifier in pharmaceuticals, such as ointments and creams.

4. Gas Treating

DEA is used as a scrubbing agent to remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and refinery gas streams.

5. Herbicides

Diethanolamine is used as a surfactant in herbicides to improve the absorption of the active ingredients by plants.

6. Metalworking Fluids

Diethanolamine is used as a corrosion inhibitor and lubricant in metalworking fluids.

7. Other Uses

Diethanolamine is also used in the production of rubber, plastics, and adhesives.

Safety Concerns of Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine has some safety concerns that need to be addressed. Exposure to Diethanolamine can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory irritation, and allergic reactions. DEA can also react with nitrites to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. In addition, Diethanolamine can penetrate the skin and accumulate in the liver, kidneys, and brain, which can lead to toxic effects.

Regulatory Measures for Diethanolamine

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 3 ppm (parts per million) for Diethanolamine in the workplace. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also established regulations for the use of Diethanolamine in pesticides. The FDA has set limits on the amount of Diethanolamine that can be used in cosmetics.

Alternatives to Diethanolamine

To address the safety concerns associated with Diethanolamine, various alternatives have been developed, including the following:

Triethanolamine (TEA)
Monoethanolamine (MEA)
Ethanolamine (EA)
Cocamide DEA
Lauryl DEA