Diethanolamine (DEA)
Diethanolamine (DEA) is widely used in the preparation of di-ethanol-amides and diethanolamine salts of long-chain fatty acids that are formulated into soaps and surfactants used in liquid laundry and dishwashing detergents, cosmetics, shampoos and hair conditioners.
Diethanolamine (DEA) is also widely used as a surfactant and a corrosion inhibitor. It is used to remove hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from natural gas in oil refinery. DEA is also used in the production of di-ethanol-amides, which are common ingredients in cosmetics and shampoos added to confer a creamy texture and foaming action.
CAS Number: 111-42-4
Chemical Name: Diethanolamine
Chemical Formula: C₄H₁₁NO₂
Molecular Weight: 105.14 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid or crystalline solid (depending on temperature)
Odor: Mild ammonia-like odor
Solubility: Completely miscible with water, alcohols, and ketones
Boiling Point: ~269 °C
Melting Point: ~28 °C (solidifies at room temperature)
Density: ~1.09 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Flash Point: 138 °C (closed cup)
Viscosity: ~350 mPa·s at 25 °C
pH (1% aqueous): ~10.5
Application in areas:
- Personal Care Products:
Used as a surfactant, emulsifier, and foam booster in:- Shampoos
- Facial cleansers
- Bubble baths
- (Note: usage in cosmetics is restricted or discouraged in some regions due to safety concerns)
- Produces
- Di-ethanol-amides (used in detergents and cosmetics)
- Morpholine
- Corrosion inhibitors
- Detergents & Cleaners
- Found in industrial cleaners, metalworking fluids, engine degreasers, and floor cleaners
- Gas Treatment
- Used in gas sweetening processes to remove acidic gases (e.g., CO₂, H₂S) from natural gas and refinery streams
Safety & Handling:
- Hazards:
- May cause skin and eye irritation
- Harmful if swallowed or inhaled
- Suspected carcinogen (when contaminated with nitrosamines or when used long-term in cosmetics)
- Can react with nitrites to form nitrosamines, which are potentially carcinogenic
Regulatory Warnings:
- Restricted in cosmetics and personal care formulations in the EU and California (Prop 65) due to potential health risks
PPE Requirements:
- Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation
Storage Guidelines:
- Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation
- Avoid contamination with nitrosating agents
- Diethanolamine, often abbreviated as DEA is an organic compound with the formula HN(CH2CH2OH)2.
Packaging: Drum