Monoethanolamine (MEA)
MONOETHANOLAMINE (MEA) INTRODUCTION
Monoethanolamine (MEA), also referred to as ethanolamine or 2-aminoethanol, is a clear and thick liquid with a subtle odor. This organic compound incorporates both amine and alcohol functional groups. MEA serves as a crucial raw material in the manufacturing of detergents, emulsifiers, and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, MEA finds application as a corrosion inhibitor and acts as a gas-scrubbing agent to eliminate carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and refinery streams. Its versatility extends to functioning as a solvent for various substances, including resins, dyes, and waxes. In industrial processes, MEA plays a role in the production of specific herbicides like glyphosate and contributes to the synthesis of amino acids such as alanine and glycine. Despite its utility, MEA should be handled with care as it can pose health risks if ingested or inhaled, leading to skin and eye irritation. Hence, appropriate precautions are necessary when working with this substance.
- MEA has an unpleasant ammonia-like odor
- Monoethanolamine chemical formula is C2H7O2
Monoethanolamine is a very useful product in the industry, we will get to know the most important uses and applications of the MEA in the next section. Monoethanolamine is an organic compound known as aminoethanol, beta-aminoethyl alcohol, ethylamine. Monoethanolamine is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with liquid ammonia. It is a colorless substance with an unpleasant and unpleasant smell, similar to the smell of fish and ammonia.
STRUCTURE OF MONOETHANOLAMINE
This molecule consists of first-type amine and first-type alcohol and is a colorless and viscous liquid with a smell similar to ammonia. This material is used in detergent, agriculture, gas purification, metal working fluids, ink preparation, dyeing and textile industries.
PRODUCTION OF MONOETHANOLAMNE
Monoethyleneamine is produced by the reaction between ethylene oxide and aqueous ammonia. The reaction rate can be controlled by changing the stoichiometry of the reactants. It should be noted that this reaction is exothermic and its control is necessary to prevent unwanted events.
PROPERTIES OF MONOETHANOLAMNE
It is mainly used in moistening natural gas and coal gas and as a soap or amide in heavy detergents. This ethanol is used in the production of ethylene amines. The primary applications of this base are for the production of emulsifiers, polishing, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors and chemical intermediates.
APPLICATION OF MONOETHANOLAMNE
Application in detergents: formulation of detergents and dishwashers, multi-purpose detergents and disinfectants are recommended. This material can also be used as a neutralizing agent in the formulation of car wash shampoos, anti-grease agents, wax removers.
In agriculture: used as a neutralizing agent for anionic emulsifiers.
In gas purification: ethanolamines can be used to purify natural gas and residual petroleum gas in carbon dioxide absorption. In gas systems containing carbon dioxide, this material plays an important role in the production of ammonia, liquid carbon dioxide and dry ice.
Other uses: Due to its reaction with fatty acids or coconut oil, it is recommended as a synthesis intermediate for the production of the corresponding alkanol amides. This product can be used in various industrial sectors such as detergents, lubricating oils, health products.
This substance can also be used in the formulation of pharmaceutical products. It is used for adhesives, gums, latex, corrosion inhibitors, pH controllers, synthesis intermediates. They are also effective in varnishes, paints, waxes and wetting agents, polishes, polymerization agents and catalysts for polyurethane resins.
DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA) INTRODUCTION
Diethanolamine (DEA)
Diethanolamine (DEA) serves primarily as a gas-scrubbing agent employed to eliminate carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and refinery streams. Its versatile applications extend to being a surfactant, emulsifier, and corrosion inhibitor in personal care items, detergents, metalworking fluids, and various industrial processes. Beyond its gas-scrubbing role, Diethanolamine plays a crucial part in the production of diverse chemicals like plasticizers, resins, and pharmaceuticals. It functions as a solvent in dyestuff and pigment manufacturing, as well as in the synthesis of rubber and pharmaceutical intermediates. Despite its utility, exposure to concentrated DEA Diethanolamine can result in skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, and harm if ingested. Consequently, proper precautions are essential when handling this substance. The use of DEA in personal care products has generated controversy due to potential health concerns, leading to restrictions in some countries.
WHAT IS DIETHANOLAMINE AND WHAT IS ITS USE?
Diethanolamine DEA has important applications in the production of detergents, gas treatment, textiles, and metalworking. It is a colorless liquid or a white crystalline solid with a smell like rotten fish or ammonia. This compound, which is classified in the group of organic substances, has both secondary amine and diol alcohol groups. This product, like other amines, is considered a weak game.
DEA reacts with acids to form soaps and salts. Also, this material is very hygroscopic due to its alcoholic properties. The applications of diethanolamine include gas sweetening, lubricants and cleaning materials. This material is used in cleaning formulations, especially detergents, to form various amine salts and control pH.
PRODUCTION OF DIETHANOLAMINE
In general, ethanolamines are produced using ammonia and ethylene oxide solution. When the reaction takes place in the reactor, all three products of this family can be produced. Of course, by controlling the conditions, the reaction can be moved to the direction where one of them (here DEA) is produced more. The products obtained from the reactor after the reaction are sent to the separation section where ammonia (2) and water are separated from each other and impurities are separated. In the vacuum distillation towers (4,5,6,7), each of EA (mono, di, tri) is produced in a pure form with a purity percentage of 98%.
APPLICATIONS OF DIETHANOLAMINE
Diethanolamine is an amino acid. It is usually used in the preparation of soaps and surfactants, agricultural chemicals and textile processing.
THE STRUCTURE OF AMINO ACID
It is used as an absorbent to absorb acidic gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen disulfide, etc. in the sweetening process of sour gas. It is also used as a solvent and a stabilizer for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO).
GAS INDUSTRY
Diethanolamine is used to sweeten natural gas and remove acid gases in pipelines due to its non-corrosive nature. Removing acid gases such as CO2, H2S, COS and CS2 from natural gas is one of the basic and important operations in industrial processes. The acid gases mentioned can all be present in natural gas.
But the most common of them is hydrogen sulfide. Currently, the dominant process for removing these gases is the use of absorption with an aqueous solution of alkanoamines. Such washing processes are also used in oil refining, coal gasification and hydrogen production. In the newer methods that are used for removal from the hybrid solvent (physical and chemical), a mixture of an aqueous solution of diethanolamine and methanol is used.
RUBBER MANUFACTURING
In rubber making, two factors, curing and distribution of fillers, are very important. One of the compounds used to improve this is alkanoamide (ALK), which is produced by combining a compound obtained from palm and this product.
OTHER APPLICATIONS
Diethanolamine plays a role in rubber making as an intermediate chemical. It is widely used in the production of surface activators in the textile and pesticide industries. It is used as emulsifiers and dispersants in agricultural, cosmetic and pharmaceutical chemicals.
WHAT IS AN EMULSIFIER AND WHAT IS ITS USE?
In the manufacture of lubricants for the textile industry, it is used as a hydrating and softening agent in the production of organic synthetic materials. Cleaning liquid is for painting emulsions, shampoos, cleaners and polishes. Cocamide diethanolamine, which is one of the derivatives of this compound, is mainly considered to strengthen the foam or foam of surfactants or increase the viscosity in cosmetics and is considered as a softening agent in hair and skin. By dehydrating this substance, the composition of morpholine is obtained. It is used as a solvent and stabilizer in the production process of zinc oxide. It is used in products used in dry cleaning. They also use this product to make buffer. The above compound is used to prepare fatty acid amides, which may be used in various personal care products.
- Agricultural chemicals
- Personal care products
- gas purification
- chemicals
- Photography
- textile
- Urethane foams
The use of DEA in cosmetic products is not recommended. This combination in cosmetic products can create compounds such as nitrosamine, which can be very harmful to a person’s health. even lead to cancer in a person. Additionally, in cosmetic formulations, DEA may react with other ingredients to form a carcinogen called nitrosydanolamine (NDEA), which is absorbed through the skin.
TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA) INTRODUCTION
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Triethanolamine (TEA) is a colorless compound, although the presence of impurities may give some samples a yellowish appearance. TEA, specifically Triethanolamine B85 LFG 85%, represents a low-freeze grade variant of Triethanolamine B85, comprising a combination of triethanolamine and diethanolamine. This aqueous blend is formulated to yield a product with a lower freeze point, suitable for applications where the presence of water is acceptable. This low-freeze grade product exhibits a freezing point of approximately -9°C, in contrast to the expected 18°C for regular Triethanolamine 85.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA)
- Soluble in benzene, ether and carbon tetrachloride
- Its hydroxyl groups establish an ester bond.
- Water absorbent crystals
- The nature of the game
- Aminic and alcoholic properties
TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA) PRODUCTION METHOD
This compound, like monoethanolamine, is obtained from the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia solution. Water speeds up this reaction. The ratio of the obtained products can be controlled by changing the stoichiometry of the reactants. By reusing monoethanolamine or diethanolamine in the reactant or by adding them to ethylene oxide, it can be converted into triethanolamine.
CONCENTRATION AND DEGREE OF PURITY OF (TEA)
This amine exists in two commercial grades (with a concentration of 85%) and pure (with a concentration of 99%). Other samples contain smaller amounts of other ethanolamines, water, and triethanolamine glycol ether. In the commercial sample, we have about (15%) diethanolamine.
APPLICATION OF TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA) IN INDUSTRY
- Cosmetic products (triethanolamine is used in creams, cleansing milks, skin lotions, eye gels, moisturizers, hair dyes, hair tufts, shampoos, soaps, and shaving foams.)
- as a solvent in nitrocellulose resins, cellulose ethers, polyvinyl acetate and a large number of resinsAs a food preservative (preventing spoilage of shrimp, seafood, fruit juice, fruit and dried fruit)
- Protective coating and protective products for surfaces and leather
- Textile industry as cleaning and bleaching of fibers and wool
- In fresh water, lake and pool to control the growth of algae
- Detergents or detergents, including laundry liquid, dishwashing liquid, and cleaners
- Hologram production based on (silver-halide) and color change
- As a complexing agent for electrical coating
- Corrosion inhibitor in the manufacture of lubricants
- Agriculture in the formulation of herbicides and pesticides
- Disinfectants
- Preparation of wax and polish
- Surfactant
- Rubber Manufacturing
- Cement and concrete
- Metalworking fluids
- emulsifier
- cutting
- Gas sweetening
- Coal production
- Petrochemical Industries
- Pharmacology
- Laboratory (ultrasonic tests)
- photography (highlighting material in 3D photos)
- Aluminum soldering using tin and zinc
- Adhesive industry
- medical
- printing industry
ADVANTAGES OF TEA IN THE STRUCTURE OF COSMETIC PRODUCTS
You have probably seen the name of the chemical triethanolamine in the formulation of cosmetic products. This material has many features that have made it used in the composition of many cosmetic products and detergents. Some of these properties are mentioned below: Stability of emulsions: This compound is used to establish a connection between two immiscible compounds (two phases of water and oil) and to create a bond between them, which is finally formed as an emulsifier to stabilize the emulsion. pH adjustment: Some chemicals in the composition of cosmetic products create an acidic or alkaline pH, which is harmful to the skin and hair and damages them. By adjusting the pH of the environment and balancing it, triethanolamine prevents the products from harming the skin and hair, and actually has the role of a buffer. Due to this property, triethanolamine does not pose any risk to skin and hair. Of course, the permissible amount of triethanolamine consumption is 5%. This combination is usually used in products that are used for a short time and are finally washed. Because long-term placement of this compound on the skin causes sensitivity and damage to the skin. Therefore, it should be noted that long-term use of triethanolamine will be allergenic for the skin. Stabilization: TEA or triethanolamine in creams and lotions and various products that are a type of emulsion has a stabilizing effect and creates more stability in order to preserve the original texture.
TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA) SAFETY TIPS
This product is not dangerous and has no side effects for cosmetic purposes if taken in low doses. Also, there is no question regarding the harmfulness of this product. The maximum allowed amount of triethanolamine consumption is 5%. It is possible to cause environmental toxicity. According to studies, this substance can be harmful to some aquatic species (high dose).
TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA) MSDS
- In case of use, it is necessary to pay attention to the MSDS of triethanolamine. These are listed below:
- If this substance comes into contact with eyes and skin and causes redness, swelling and burning, wash it with plenty of water. It may cause burns due to long-term and repeated contact with the skin.
- Swallowing this product causes diarrhea and vomiting, and the best solution to get rid of it is to drink water or milk and see a doctor.
- In case of long-term use, it may cause allergies in some cases.
- In some cases, this substance can cause breathing problems.
- Triethanolamine is a combustible compound when exposed to heat or flame. In this case, it may produce very toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides.
PACKAGING AND STORAGE CONDITIONS OF (TEA)
- If this substance is thrown into fire, it will cause an explosion. So their storage place should be away from flames, heat and sparks.
- Store in a dry, cool and well-ventilated environment.
- Keep these products in resistant containers, because barrels without carbon steel coating can affect the color of the material and cause its color to change due to iron impurities.
- It is sold in 230 kg packaging.
DISTINGUISHING (TEA) (MEA) AND (DEA)
Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA), and Diethanolamine (DEA) belong to the ethanolamine family and exhibit both similarities and distinctions in their chemical structures and characteristics.
Here are the key differences:
Chemical Structure:
- TEA has three hydroxyl groups and one amino group.
- MEA features one hydroxyl group and one amino group.
- DEA comprises two hydroxyl groups and one amino group. The variations in the number and arrangement of hydroxyl and amino groups differentiate these molecules.
Basicity:
- TEA is the most potent base among the three.
- DEA follows as the second-strongest base.
- MEA exhibits the least basicity. The number of hydroxyl groups influences the basicity of each molecule.
Solubility:
- TEA demonstrates the highest solubility in water due to its increased number of hydroxyl groups.
- DEA has intermediate solubility.
- MEA is the least soluble in water.
Viscosity:
- TEA has the highest viscosity due to its larger molecular size.
- DEA has moderate viscosity.
- MEA has the lowest viscosity.
Uses:
- TEA serves as a surfactant, emulsifier, and pH adjuster in diverse applications, including personal care products, detergents, metalworking fluids, and gas scrubbing.
- MEA is commonly used in gas sweetening, oil refining, and the production of herbicides and agricultural chemicals.
- DEA functions primarily as a gas scrubber in natural gas and oil refining, and also as a surfactant and emulsifier in personal care products and detergents.
Toxicity:
- All three ethanolamines can cause skin and eye irritation.
- TEA is considered more toxic than MEA and DEA due to its heightened alkalinity and larger molecular size.
In summary, while TEA, MEA, and DEA share commonalities, their differences in basicity, solubility, viscosity, uses, and toxicity distinguish them from one another.
APPLICATIONS OF ETHANOLAMINES (MEA, TEA, DEA)
- Gas Scrubbing: Ethanolamines serve as effective gas scrubbing agents, removing acidic gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and refinery streams by forming stable salts that can be easily separated.
- Chemical Intermediates: Ethanolamine acts as a precursor for the production of various chemicals, including ethyleneamines, ethylene glycols, and ethylene oxide. These derivatives find applications in detergent manufacturing, textiles, plastics, and personal care products.
- Metalworking Fluids: In metalworking fluids like coolants and lubricants, ethanolamine is employed to enhance lubrication and cooling properties while preventing corrosion.
- Personal Care Products: Ethanolamine is a key component in personal care items such as shampoos, lotions, and soaps. It functions as a pH adjuster and emulsifier, contributing to product stability and effectiveness.
- Herbicides: Ethanolamine plays a crucial role as a solvent and emulsifier in the formulation of herbicides and various agricultural chemicals.
- Pharmaceuticals: Utilized as a pH adjuster and buffering agent, ethanolamine is employed in the production of certain pharmaceuticals.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF TEA 85%
| Property | Specifications | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear and substantially free matter | ST-30.1 of suspended |
| Equivalent weight | 161 – 173.5 | ST-5.5 |
| Triethanolamine | wt% Measure | 70 min |
| Water, wt% | 13 – 17 | Loading Measure |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF MEA
| Content | Unit | Anhydrous | 40% solution | 45% solution | 50% solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mma | % | 99.50 min. | 40.00 min. | 45.00 min. | 50.00 min. |
| Water | % | 00.20 max. | 60.00 max. | 55.00 max. | 50.00 max. |
| Ammonia | % | 00.05 max. | 00.03 max. | 0.03 max. | 0.03 max. |
| Other amines / noi | % | 00.30 max. | 00.20 max. | 00.20 max. | 00.20 max. |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF DEA
| Appearance (MOA 200) | Clear liquid or white solid |
|---|---|
| Assay (MOA 549) | ≥ 99.0 wt% |
| Monoethanolamine (MOA 549) | ≤ 0.5 |
| Color (MOA 201) | ≤ 20 Hazen |
| Water (MOA 305) | ≤ 0.2 wt% |
| Triethanolamine (MOA 549) | ≤ 0.30 |
| Characteristics | |
| Form | Viscous liquid |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Ammonical |
| Water solubilit | Completely |
| Solubility in other solvents | Acetone;Ethanol |
| pH, 10% solution | 11.5 |
| Melting point/freezing point, 1013 hPa | 27 °C |
| Boiling point/boiling range, 1013 hPa | 270 °C |
| Flash point, 1013 hPa | 100-199 °C |
| Ignition temperature | > 150 °C |
| Vapor pressure, 20°C | 0.00009 hPa |
| Density, 20°C | 1100 kg/m³ |
| Relative density, 20°C | 1.1 |
| Partition coefficient, N-octanol/water, 20°C, log Pow | -2.46 |
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