What is Diethanolamine (DEA)?
Diethanolamine(DEA)
Diethanolamine, also known as DEA, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H11NO2. It is a clear, colorless, and viscous liquid with a slight ammonia-like odor. Diethanolamine is part of the family of ethanolamines and contains two hydroxyl (-OH) groups and one amino (-NH2) group, making it a secondary amine and a secondary alcohol.
Synonyms of Diethanolamine:
- Bis(hydroxyethyl)amine
- N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine
- 2,2'-Dihydroxydiethylamine
- β,β'-Dihydroxydiethylamine
- Diolamine
- 2-[(2-Hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol
- 2,2'-Iminobisethanol
- Iminodiethanol
- Di(2-hydroxyethyl)amine
- bis(2-Hydroxyethyl)amine
- 2,2'-Iminodiethanol
What is Diethanolamine application?
Applications of Diethanolamine:
- Surfactant and Emulsifier: Diethanolamine is widely used in the production of various surfactants and emulsifiers. It finds application in the formulation of soaps, shampoos, body washes, and other cleaning products due to its ability to reduce surface tension and promote the mixing of oil and water-based ingredients.
- Chemical Intermediates: Diethanolamine serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of numerous chemical compounds. It is a key building block for the production of ethyleneamines, which have various applications in the manufacture of chelating agents, fuel additives, and fabric softeners.
- Gas Treating Agent: Diethanolamine is used in gas treating processes, similar to ethanolamine. It is employed to remove acidic impurities like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from natural gas streams in the natural gas and petroleum industries.
- Corrosion Inhibition: Diethanolamine is utilized as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids and cooling systems to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and rust.
- Pharmaceuticals: Diethanolamine is involved in the synthesis of certain pharmaceutical compounds and medicinal products.
- Textile Chemicals: Diethanolamine finds application in the textile industry as a component in dye leveling agents and fabric softeners.
- Personal Care Products: Diethanolamine can be found in cosmetics and personal care products, including hair dyes, hair conditioners, and other hair care formulations.