diethanolamine
Sign in to saveDiethanolamine, 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 tendencies to absorb water and to supercool often results in it being found in a colorless, viscous liquid state. 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 secondary amine and hydroxyl groups, DEA is soluble in water. Amides prepared from DEA are often also hydrophilic. In 2013, the chemical w
Article
6 sectionsContents
- Production
- Uses
- Commonly used ingredients that may contain DEA
- Safety and environment
- References
- External links
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 tendencies to absorb water and to supercool often results in it being found in a colorless, viscous liquid state. 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 secondary amine and hydroxyl groups, DEA is soluble in water. Amides prepared from DEA are often also hydrophilic. In 2013, the chemical was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B).
==Production== 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