Monoethanolamine
General Product Information
| Article | Monoethanolamine |
| Synonyms | 2-Aminoethan-1-ol, 2-Aminoethanol, 2-Amino-1-ethanol, β-Aminoethanol, β-hydroxyethylamine, β-Aminoethyl alcohol, Glycinol, MEA, Ethylolamine, 2-Hydroxyethylamine, Colamine |
| CAS No. | 141-43-5 |
| EEG No. | 603-030-00-8 |
| EINECS No. | 205-483-3 |
| IMO | Class 8 (C). |
| Tariff Code | 29221100 |
| UN No. | 2491 |
| VLG/ADR | Class 8, Packing Group iii |
Description
Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic ammonia-like odor. It is an organic compound with both an alcohol and an amine group, making it a versatile raw material in various industrial processes. MEA is Hygroscopic and highly soluble in water and alcohols, making it widely applicable in both technical and chemical applications.
Characteristics
- Effective emulsifier and pH regulator.
- Odor: ammonia smell.
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Grade: Technical.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C2H7NO |
| Molar Weight | 61.08 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 10,5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 170 °C |
| Solubility | Fully miscible with water, alcohol, and acetone. |
| Density | Approx. 1.015 g/cm³ (at 20 °C). |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Approx. 11.5 (on 1% solution). |
| Color | Colorless or light yellow |
| Shape | Slightly viscous liquid |
Applications
Monoethanolamine is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Cosmetics & Personal Care
Used as a pH regulator and emulsifier in shampoos, creams and lotions.
2. Textile & Paper Industry
Used as a wetting agent and process additive.
3. Gas Treatment
MEA is used to remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and flue gases.
4. Water Treatment
Helps prevent corrosion in steam systems.
5. Pharmaceutical Industry
Raw material at the synthesis of drugs.
6. Cleaning Agents
Active ingredient in industrial and household cleaners.
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – Ethanolamine
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- PubChem – Monoethanolamine of the National Library of Medicine by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- Wikipedia – Ethanolamine