Technical Bulletin

ETHANOLAMINES

GCIN02 08/00

DESCRIPTION

Ethanolamines are products obtained from the reaction between ammonia and ethylene
oxide. Depending on the number of ethylene oxide mols, they are called
MONOETHANOLAMINE (MEA), DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA) and TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA),
and can be respectively represented by the following structural formulas:


-CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
- N
-CH
2
-OH -OH CH
2
HN
-N
H
H
HO-CH
2
-CH
2
-CH
2
HO-CH
2
-CH
2
-OH CH
2
-CH
2
-OH

MONOETHANOLAMINE, DIETHANOLAMINE and TRIETHANOLAMINE have a low volatility at
room temperature, are hygroscopic, present an ammoniac odor and can appear in solid or
liquid form depending on the temperature and the purity grade.
OXITENO produces the following ethanolamines:

Products
Chemical
Description
INCI name (CTFA)
1
CAS
2
name and number
MEA
Monoethanolami
ne 99%
2 aminoethanol Ethanol-2-amino, 141-43-5
DEA
Diethanolamine
99%
2 ,2 imino dibis (2
hydroxyethyl) aminoethanol
Ethanol,2,2,iminodi, bis (2-
hydroxyethyl) amine, 111-42-2
DEA W
Diethanolamine
99% in aqueous
2 ,2 imino dibis(2
hydroxyethyl) aminoethanol
Ethanol,2,2,iminodi, bis (2-
hydroxyethyl) amine, 111-42-2
TEA 99
Triethanolamine
99%
2 ,2',2" nitrilotriethanol Ethanol, 2,2,2-nitrilotri, 102-71-6
TEA 99 W
Triethanolamine
99% in aqueous
2 ,2',2" nitrilotriethanol Ethanol, 2,2,2-nitrilotri, 102-71-6
TEA 85
Triethanolamine
85%
2 ,2',2" nitrilotriethanol Ethanol, 2,2,2-nitrilotri, 102-71-6

DIETHANOLAMINE W and TRIETHANOLAMINE 99 W refer to the products DIETHANOLAMINE
and TRIETHANOLAMINE 99 with the addition of sufficient water to facilitate handling, since this
reduces the risk of solidification in equipments and pipes not equipped with heating and heat
insulation.






1
CTFA: Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association INCI: International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient
2
CAS: Chemical Abstracts Society
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Technical Bulletin
ETHANOLAMINES

GCIN02 08/00

USES
Detergents
MONOETHANOLAMINE, DIETHANOLAMINE and TRIETHANOLAMINE are recommended as
components in detergent formulations for laundry and dishwashing, degreasers, multiple use
detergents and disinfectants.
TRIETHANOLAMINE is recommended as an alkalizing agent for dodecylbenzene sulfonic
acid, resulting in the formation of an organic salt that is more soluble in water than
sulfonic acid neutralized with sodium hydroxide, promoting the obtainment of liquid
detergents for manual dish washing with a lower cloud point and greater stability, making
the use of hydrotopes such as urea unnecessary.
TRIETHANOLAMINE can also be used to alkalize long-chain fatty acids such as lauryl,
ricinoleic, oleic and stearic acids, forming TRIETHANOLAMINE soap that is soluble in water
with an emulsifying effect in liquid soap-base detergent formulations and in transparent
pine oil-based disinfectants, promoting a blooming effect when the disinfectant is diluted
in water.
Since it is a weak base, TRIETHANOLAMINE can be used as an neutralizer agent in car wash
shampoos, polishing waxes, degreasing non-corrosive detergents, liquid laundry detergents
and multiple use cleaners.
MONOETHANOLAMINE and DIETHANOLAMINE can also be used as neutralizer agents in
formulations of car wash shampoos, degreasers in general, wax removers and as
corrosion inhibitors.
Agrochemicals
MONOETHANOLAMINE, DIETHANOLAMINE and TRIETHANOLAMINE are used as neutralizer
agents for anionic emulsifiers.
DIETHANOLAMINE and TRIETHANOLAMINE can be used in the preparation of agricultural
compounds obtained from 2,4D acid (2,4 dichloro phenoxiacacetic) and
DIETHANOLAMINE can be used in the synthesis of glyphosate.
Treatment of gases
Ethanolamines can be used to treat natural gas and petroleum residual gas in the absorption
of carbon dioxide. In gas systems containing carbon dioxide, MONOETHANOLAMINE can be
used as a selective absorber, and plays an important role in the production of ammonia, liquid
carbon dioxide and dry ice permitting regeneration in the latter cases. DIETHANOLAMINE is
recommended for the treatment of vapors with a high content of hydrogen sulfide.
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Technical Bulletin
ETHANOLAMINES

GCIN02 08/00

Additives for cement
Ethanolamines are used as auxiliary agents in concrete milling. Low concentrations of
TRIETHANOLAMINE accelerate the hardening rate of concrete while high concentrations have
a retarding effect on hardening.
Other uses
MONOETHANOLAMINE and DIETHANOLAMINE are recommended as synthesis intermediates
for the manufacture of corresponding alkanolamides (ALKOLAN PK and ALKOLAN CO lines)
due to their reaction with fatty acid or coconut oil. As a consequence of their properties, these
products can be used in various industrial segments such as detergents, lubricant oils,
products for hygiene and personal care, flotation of minerals, etc.
Ethanolamines can also be used in the formulation of pharmaceutical products, dispersing
agents for glues, gums, latex and photographic developers, accelerators of rubber
vulcanization, corrosion inhibitors, pH controllers, synthesis intermediates, lacquer, paint, wax
and polisher wetting agents, polymerizing agents and catalysts for polyurethane resins.

PROPERTIES

MEA DEA DEA W TEA 85 TEA 99 TEA 99 W
Appearance at 25 C liquid solid liquid Liquid liquid liquid
Pt-Co color at 25 C, max. 15 15 15 50 75 75
Suspended matter SF SF SF SF SF SF
min. 1.017 1.090* 1.090 1.122 1.124 1.124
Specific gravity. 20/20
o
C.
max. 1.021 1.095* 1.100 1.130 1.127 1.128
Water (wt%), max. 0.1 0.1 15 0.2 0.2 8.0
Freezing point, (C), approx. 10 28 2 < 0 21 8 - 14
min. 61.0 104.0 - - - -
Equivalent weight
max. 62.5 106.0 - - - -
Purity (wt%), min. 99.2 98.5 84.0 85.0 99.0 91.0
MONOETHANOLAMINE (wt%), max. - 1.0 - 0.5 -
DIETHANOLAMINE, (wt%), max. - - - 15 -
TRIETHANOLAMINE (wt%), max. - 1.0 - - - -
Iron content (ppm), - - - - 2 max. 2 max.
The properties described above are for informative purposes only and can be altered without prior notice.
If necessary consult the current product specification or contact OXITENO.
SF = substantially free
*30/20 C




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Technical Bulletin
ETHANOLAMINES

GCIN02 08/00

PROPERTIES



MEA DEA TEA
Molecular weight 61.08 105.14 149.19
760 mm Hg 170.5 269 (decomposition) 360
Boiling point (C)
10 MM HG 69 150 208
Vapor pressure at 20 C (mm Hg) 0.4 < 0.01 < 0.01
Flash point in open cup (C) 93 138 190
Freezing point (C) 10.5 28.0 21.2
Latent heat of vaporization at 760 mmHg (cal/g) 197.2 157.8 127.7
Refractive index N20/D 1.4539 1.4776 1.4852
HANDLING AND STORAGE

MONOETHANOLAMINE, DIETHANOLAMINE and TRIETHANOLAMINE and their respective
concentrated solutions are irritant when in contact with the skin and eyes. Extended
contact with the skin can cause irritation to the immediate area and possibly chemical
burns. Vapors and aerosols produced by heating or violent movement can irritate the
respiratory tract.
When handling the products we recommend the use of individual protection equipment
such as rubber or PVC gloves, a PVC apron and safety goggles. In the case of exposure to
high concentrations, use masks designed for protection against organic vapors.
In the event of accidental contact proceed as follows:
eyes: wash immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes;
skin: wash the areas affected with plenty of water and remove contaminated clothing;
ingestion: seek medical care.
We recommend storing MONOETHANOLAMINE, DIETHANOLAMINE and
TRIETHANOLAMINE by bulk in stainless steel 316 or 304 tanks or in carbon steel tanks
coated with PEAD/PEBD Liner, equipped with a water or vapor heating coil to maintain the
products at a temperature above their solidification point. Storage in carbon steel tanks
without covering can compromise the color of the product, which becomes yellow as a
result of iron contamination. Pipes can be made from carbon steel or stainless steel.
Tanks coated with epoxy resin reinforced with fiberglass can be corroded as a result of
the alkalinity of the amine. Polyethylene tanks are not proper for handling in the case of
DIETHANOLAMINE and TRIETHANOLAMINE 99, since these products require heating
during storage and handling.
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Technical Bulletin
ETHANOLAMINES

GCIN02 08/00

Since these products are hygroscopic we recommend provide the tanks with an inert
atmosphere such as of nitrogen to reduce the absorption of water and to avoid darkening
through contact with the air.
Since the products are combustible, they must be protected from sources of ignition such as
open flames, heated surfaces, electric discharges, etc. The extinguishing agents are water, dry
chemical, carbon dioxide and foam.
Exposure to light should be avoided since the products become slightly yellow. Copper
and its alloys such as brass should not be used in the storage and transfer equipment
since they form complex salts with MONOETHANOLAMINE, DIETHANOLAMINE and
TRIETHANOLAMINE, and the products become slightly blue.
TRIETHANOLAMINE is a chemical product controlled by the Brazilian Ministry of Armed
Forces, thus registration is required prior to sale and use.
The shelf life of the products are listed below and are counted as from the date of manufacture
and are guaranteed provided the products are maintained in their original packaging and
stored under adequate conditions. The principal quality requirement related to the shelf life is
the color, which can become yellow after the stipulated period.

Products Shelf life (months)
MEA 9
DEA 6
DEA W 9
TEA 99 9
TEA 99 W 9
TEA 85 6

PACKAGING

Product Packaging

Drum Bulk
MONOETHANOLAMINE 208 L yes
DIETHANOLAMINE 208 L yes
DIETHANOLAMINE W 208 L yes
TRIETHANOLAMINE 99 208 L yes
TRIETHANOLAMINE 85 208 L yes
TRIETHANOLAMINE 99 W 208 L yes




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Technical Bulletin
ETHANOLAMINES

GCIN02 08/00

WARNING TO USERS

The information contained in this document is given in good faith and is based on our
current knowledge on the subject. It must be considered just as is an indication and in no
way binding as far as Oxiteno is considered. This information including suggestions on
possible applications must on no account be used as a substitute for necessary prior tests,
which are the only way to ensure that a product is suitable for a given use. Users are
responsible for ensuring compliance with local legislation and for obtaining all necessary
certifications and authorizations.
The reading of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is highly recommended for the safe
handling of the product. This document is available upon request.





































CUSTOMER SERVICE
SALES
Telephone: +55 (0xx11) 3177-6043
Fax: +55 (0xx11) 3285-0327/ 3285-0347
e-mail: gecex@oxiteno.com.br
gelap@oxiteno.com.br

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