Diethanolamine (DEA)
| Formula: | C₄H₁₁NO₂ |
| CAS Number: | 111-42-2 |
| EC Number (EINECS): | 203-868-0 |
| HS Code: | 29221310 |
| UN Number: | Not classified (not regulated as dangerous goods under UN transport) |
| IUPAC Name: | 2,2′-Iminodiethanol |
| Also Known As: | DEA; 2,2′-Dihydroxydiethylamine; Diolamine |
| Molecular Weight, g/mol: | 105.14 |
Typical Specifications
| Appearance: | Clear, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid |
| Odor: | Ammonia-like, mild odor |
| Melting Point, °C: | 27 |
| Boiling Point, °C: | 269 |
| Density, g/cm³ (at 20°C): | 1.09 |
| Flash Point, °C: | 138 (closed cup) |
| Refractive Index (20°C): | ~1.477 |
| Solubility: | Miscible with water, alcohols |
| pH (1% solution): | ~11 |
| Purity, %: | ≥99.0 |
| Grades Available: | Industrial, Technical, Cosmetic Grade |
| Packaging: | 200kg drums, 1000kg IBC, bulk ISO tanks |
Applications / Uses
Primary Applications
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Intermediate in surfactant and detergent production
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Used in gas sweetening (removal of H₂S and CO₂)
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Emulsifier and corrosion inhibitor in industrial formulations
Secondary Applications
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Used in personal care products (shampoos, soaps, cosmetics – in limited regulated quantities)
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Intermediate in manufacture of herbicides (e.g., glyphosate salts)
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Additive in cement grinding aids, textile processing
End Industries Served: Surfactants & Detergents, Personal Care, Oil & Gas, Agrochemicals, Textiles, Construction Chemicals
Safety & Handling Information
Hazard Class (GHS): Acute Toxicity (Category 4), Skin Irritant (Category 2), Eye Damage (Category 1)
Hazard Statements (H-Codes):
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H302: Harmful if swallowed
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H315: Causes skin irritation
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H318: Causes serious eye damage
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H373: May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements (P-Codes):
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P280: Wear protective gloves/eye protection
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P301 + P312: IF SWALLOWED – Call a POISON CENTER if you feel unwell
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P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES – rinse cautiously with water for several minutes
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P273: Avoid release to the environment
Storage Conditions
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Store in tightly closed containers
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Keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated area
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Avoid exposure to heat and direct sunlight
Transport Information
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ADR/RID: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
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IMDG: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
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IATA: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
Regulatory Information
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REACH Status (EU): Registered (with use restrictions in cosmetics/personal care)
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FDA Approval: Restricted; not approved as direct food additive
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ISO Certification: Available on request (ISO 9001 for manufacturing grade)
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Country Standards: Subject to concentration limits under EU Cosmetics Regulation and US FDA