Product brief introduction
High-Purity Diethanolamine (DEA) – The Versatile Amine for Gas Treatment and Surfactants
Shandong RuiShuang Chemical offers premium Diethanolamine (CAS: 111-42-2) with 99% minimum purity. This multifunctional amine serves as an acid gas absorber (CO₂, H₂S), surfactant intermediate, and emulsifier. Essential for gas purification, textile processing, personal care products, metalworking fluids, and agricultural formulations. Available in industrial grade with professional hazardous chemical logistics.
Product overview
Diethanolamine (DEA), also known as 2,2'-Iminodiethanol or Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, with the molecular formula C₄H₁₁NO₂ and CAS number 111-42-2, is a colorless viscous liquid or crystalline solid with an ammonia-like odor . As a secondary amine and diol, DEA exhibits both amine basicity and alcohol reactivity, making it an exceptionally versatile chemical intermediate. It is produced primarily through the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia, alongside monoethanolamine and triethanolamine . With a melting point of 28°C, boiling point of 269°C (decomposes), and flash point of 137°C, DEA is classified as a combustible material . Its excellent water solubility, mild alkalinity, and ability to form soaps with fatty acids make it indispensable across gas treatment, surfactants, personal care, textiles, agriculture, and metalworking industries.
Product detail description
What is Diethanolamine and Why Is It a Key Industrial Chemical?
In the world of industrial amines, few compounds match the versatility and market significance of Diethanolamine. Commonly known as DEA, this diethanolamine serves as a critical building block for numerous downstream products, while also functioning as a direct-use chemical in gas sweetening and pH adjustment applications. Its unique molecular structure combines amine functionality for acid neutralization with hydroxyl groups for water solubility and reactivity with fatty acids .
Key Properties of High-Purity Diethanolamine
| Property | Typical Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥99.0% | Ensures consistent reaction yields; minimizes impurities that could affect downstream processes or product quality . |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid or white crystalline solid | Indicates product quality; dark color may suggest degradation or contamination. |
| Water Content | ≤0.15% (1500 ppm) | Critical for moisture-sensitive reactions; excess water can affect reaction kinetics and product quality. |
| Equivalent Weight | ~105 g/mol | Affects stoichiometric calculations in formulations and neutralization reactions. |
| Melting Point | 28°C | Solid at room temperature in cooler climates; requires heating for handling and transfer. |
| Boiling Point | 269°C (decomposes) | High thermal stability allows use in high-temperature applications; decomposition can occur at elevated temperatures. |
| Flash Point | 137°C (Closed Cup) | Combustible but less volatile than low-boiling solvents; requires standard fire precautions . |
| Density | ~1.09 g/mL at 20°C | Affects volumetric calculations for formulation and shipping. |
| pH (1% solution) | ~11.0 | Mildly alkaline; effective for acid neutralization and pH adjustment . |
| Viscosity | 380 cP at 25°C | High viscosity requires consideration in pumping, mixing, and handling operations. |
The Diverse Applications of Diethanolamine Across Industries
| Industry Sector | Primary Application | Why DEA? |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Treatment | Acid Gas Removal | DEA for gas treatment absorbs CO₂ and H₂S from natural gas, refinery gas, and synthesis gas via reversible chemical reaction . |
| Surfactants | Alkyl Alkanolamide Production | Reacts with fatty acids to produce non-ionic surfactants (e.g., coconut diethanolamide) for detergents and cleaners . |
| Personal Care | pH Adjuster & Emulsifier | Used in shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics as a foam booster, thickener, and pH adjuster . |
| Textile Processing | Scouring & Dyeing Assistant | Serves as a wetting agent, emulsifier, and dyeing auxiliary in textile processing . |
| Agriculture | Herbicide Intermediate | DEA for herbicides is used in the production of certain crop protection agents . |
| Metalworking | Corrosion Inhibitor | Forms protective films on metal surfaces; used in cutting fluids and coolant formulations. |
| Polyurethane | Chain Extender | Used as a crosslinking agent in polyurethane foam and elastomer production . |
| Pharmaceuticals | Buffering Agent | Serves as an intermediate and pH buffering agent in pharmaceutical manufacturing . |
DEA in Gas Treatment: The Efficient Acid Gas Absorber
The gas treatment industry represents one of the largest markets for diethanolamine, where it serves as a premier acid gas removal agent:
How DEA Works:
DEA is a tertiary amine that chemically absorbs acid gases through reversible reactions:
CO₂ Absorption: 2RNH₂ + CO₂ ⇌ RNHCOO⁻ + RNH₃⁺ (carbamate formation)
H₂S Absorption: RNH₂ + H₂S ⇌ RNH₃⁺ + HS⁻
Applications:
Natural Gas Sweetening: Removes H₂S and CO₂ to meet pipeline specifications
Refinery Gas Treatment: Purifies refinery off-gases for fuel use or further processing
Synthesis Gas Purification: Cleans syngas for ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen production
Flue Gas Treatment: Captures CO₂ for sequestration or enhanced oil recovery
Advantages of DEA:
High Loading Capacity: DEA has higher acid gas loading capacity than monoethanolamine (MEA)
Lower Corrosion: Less corrosive than MEA, enabling use of carbon steel equipment
Better Selectivity: More selective for H₂S over CO₂ compared to primary amines
Thermal Stability: Higher boiling point reduces degradation and solvent loss
Typical Process Conditions:
DEA concentration: 20-35% in aqueous solution
Absorption temperature: 30-50°C
Regeneration temperature: 100-130°C
DEA in Surfactant Production: The Foundation for Alkyl Alkanolamides
DEA for surfactants is a critical raw material for producing non-ionic surfactants, particularly alkyl alkanolamides:
Alkyl Diethanolamide Production:
Fatty acid + Diethanolamine → Alkyl Diethanolamide + Water
Common fatty acids: Coconut oil, lauric acid, oleic acid
Products: Coconut diethanolamide (CDEA), lauramide DEA, oleamide DEA
Applications of Alkyl Diethanolamides:
Detergents and Cleaners: Provide foam stabilization, viscosity building, and grease removal
Personal Care Products: Enhance foam quality in shampoos and body washes
Industrial Cleaners: Used in heavy-duty degreasers and metal cleaners
Textile Processing: Act as wetting agents and emulsifiers
Benefits of DEA-Based Surfactants:
Excellent foam stabilization and boosting properties
Viscosity-building capabilities in aqueous formulations
Good emulsification for oils and greases
Biodegradable and cost-effective
DEA in Personal Care and Cosmetics
DEA in personal care products serves multiple functions, though regulatory considerations have reduced its use in some regions:
Common Applications:
Shampoos and Body Washes: Acts as a foam booster and viscosity builder (via CDEA)
Lotions and Creams: Functions as an emulsifier and pH adjuster
Shaving Creams: Provides stable foam and lubrication
Sunscreens: Used as an emulsifier in certain formulations
Regulatory Considerations:
DEA itself is permitted in cosmetics but subject to concentration limits in some regions
Nitrosamine formation potential requires use of high-purity DEA and avoidance of nitrosating agents
Many formulators have shifted to alternative alkanolamides (e.g., cocamide MEA, cocamidopropyl betaine) for certain applications.
DEA in Metalworking Fluids
DEA in metalworking serves as an effective corrosion inhibitor and pH stabilizer:
Functions in Metalworking:
Corrosion Protection: Forms protective amine films on ferrous metals
pH Buffer: Maintains alkaline pH to prevent bacterial growth and corrosion
Emulsifier: Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in cutting fluids
Lubricity Enhancer: Improves lubricating properties of metalworking fluids
Typical Applications:
Cutting and grinding fluids
Coolant concentrates
Hydraulic fluids
Rust preventatives
Why Choose Shandong RuiShuang Chemical as Your Diethanolamine Supplier?
1.Strategic Partnerships with Leading Manufacturers:
Our long-standing with top-tier Chinese chemical companies ensures priority access to high purity DEA from reputable diethanolamine manufacturers. We leverage these relationships to secure competitive pricing and reliable allocation even during market tightness.
2.Comprehensive Quality Assurance:
We understand that industrial grade diethanolamine for gas treatment, surfactant production, and other applications requires rigorous quality control. Every shipment is tested to meet specifications for purity (≥99.0%), water content, color, and equivalent weight. Certificates of Analysis (COA) accompany all deliveries, ensuring full traceability.
3.Specialized Chemical Logistics:
DEA requires proper handling throughout the supply chain, particularly temperature management to prevent solidification. Our integrated logistics system is designed for efficient transport:
DEA ISO tank containers for efficient bulk transport (20-24 MT)
Diethanolamine drums (215kg/55-gallon steel drums) for smaller volume requirements
IBC totes (1000kg) for intermediate bulk handling
Heated tanker deliveries for large industrial consumers in cold climates
Compliance with international shipping regulations (IMDG, IATA, ADR)
4.Flexible Supply Solutions:
We recognize that different customers have different volume requirements:
DEA spot cargo for immediate needs
Contract supply for predictable pricing and volume security
Warehouse storage with temperature control for just-in-time delivery
Custom packaging options tailored to your receiving capabilities
5.Technical Expertise and Application Support:
The successful use of DEA requires understanding its unique properties and application requirements. Our team possesses deep technical knowledge to guide customers on:
Gas sweetening process optimization
Surfactant formulation guidance
Regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions (including DEA restrictions in certain personal care applications)
Troubleshooting application challenges
6.Commitment to Safety and Compliance:
Our business philosophy prioritizes safety alongside customer satisfaction. We provide comprehensive safety documentation, including detailed diethanolamine MSDS and handling guidelines, and work with customers to ensure they have the information needed to handle this material safely.
📞 Contact our sales team today for a competitive quote and expert consultation.
📧 Email: Devin@ruishuangchemical.com,Stefan@ruishuangchemical.com
📱 Phone/WhatsApp: +8618653633300,+8613573373908
Partner with us for amine solutions that drive your success.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Q1: What packaging options are available for Diethanolamine?
A: As a full-service DEA supplier, we offer multiple packaging solutions:
DEA ISO tank containers (20-24 metric tons) – standard for international bulk transport
Diethanolamine drums (215kg/55-gallon steel drums) – for smaller volume requirements
IBC totes (1000kg) – intermediate bulk containers for efficient handling
Heated tanker – for large-volume deliveries in cold climates where DEA solidification is a concern
All packaging complies with chemical transport regulations and maintains product integrity.