What is diethanolamine?
Diethanolamine or DEA is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H11NO2 and a density of 1.097 g/ml. At room temperature, it is a white solid, but it has a strong tendency to absorb water, so it is observed as a colorless and viscous liquid. The main use of DEA is as a surfactant and corrosion inhibitor.
This substance is an organic chemical compound of a secondary amine and a dialcohol and is classified as a chemical solvent. As a secondary amine, it has two carbon atoms bonded to a nitrogen atom and as a dialcohol, it also has two hydroxyl groups.
Physical and chemical properties:
This organic compound is soluble in water, reflecting the hydrophilic nature of the amine and hydroxyl groups. The amides derived from it are also hydrophilic. In the table below, you can see some of the physical and chemical properties of this substance.
| Structure |  |
| Chemical formula | C4H11NO2 |
| cas no | 111-42-2 |
| Molecular mass | 105.137 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystals or clear, colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor |
| Density | 1.097 g/ml |
| Melting point | 28ºC |
| Boiling point | 271.1ºC |
| Solubility | Miscible in water |
| pH | 9.5 |
Method of preparation:
To prepare this substance, it is necessary to first make ethanolamine, hence ethanolamine is made from the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia.
C2H4O + NH3 → H2NCH2CH2OH
The resulting product reacts with ethylene oxide to form DEA. The equation for this reaction is as follows:
C2H4O + H2NCH2CH2OH → HN(CH2CH2OH)2
C2H4O + HN(CH2CH2OH)2 → N(CH2CH2OH)3
With the help of this method, 300 million kilograms of this substance can be produced annually.
Applications of diethanolamine:
Among the applications of this substance can be mentioned as a surfactant and corrosion inhibitor. This compound has many industrial and pharmaceutical applications; For example, it is found in detergents, including laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, cosmetics, shampoos, hair conditioners, etc. It is used in textile processing, industrial gas purification, and agricultural chemicals. It is also present in car care products, water purification, plastic and rubber products. We will examine some of the uses of this substance below.
Detergents:
DEA is widely used in the preparation of diethanolamides and diethanolamine salts of long-chain fatty acids. These compounds are ultimately converted into soaps and surfactants used in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, cosmetics, shampoos, and hair conditioners, and help create a creamy texture and foaming. Some common diethanolamides include cocamide DEA, loramide DEA, and myristamide DEA.
Uses in cosmetics:
This product is a hydrophilic compound, which means that it can act as a surfactant and emulsifier. This property means that this chemical compound can reduce the surface tension of a liquid and increase its spreading and moisturizing properties. For this reason, it causes foaming in shampoos. It also makes cosmetics smooth and shiny. This organic compound neutralizes the acidic content of cosmetics by stabilizing their pH. Its permitted amount in shampoos and hair dyes is usually in the range of 0.2 to 10 percent as a component or contaminant of fatty acid alkanolamides.
Is the use of diethanolamine in cosmetics harmful?
Cosmetic manufacturers and consumers may be skeptical about the safety of this substance in cosmetics. According to research conducted in 1998, no link was found between this substance and the risk of cancer through it. In general, except for color additives and those substances whose use is prohibited or restricted by regulations, manufacturers can use any substance in their cosmetic formulations. Provided that these substances are safe.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the use of DEA in cosmetics is currently of no concern to consumers. The most common compounds used in cosmetics include cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, lauramide DEA, linoleic acid MEA, and triethanolamine. To buy triethanolamine for use in the cosmetic industry, visit the Arman Chemie website.
Cocamide Diethanolamine:
This substance is extracted from coconut oil (Buy Coconut Oil) and is a foaming agent and emulsifier in cosmetics and personal care products. It is also used in industrial cooling lubricants and hydraulic fluids.
Agriculture:
Its emulsifying properties are used to increase the spreadability of agricultural chemicals.
Other uses:
Other uses of DEA include:
- Production of lubricants in the textile industry
- Purification of industrial gases to remove acid gases
- Removal of hydrogen sulfide from sour gas in oil refineries
- A chemical raw material in the production of morpholine (Buy morpholine)
- Manufacture of detergents, cleaners, fabric solvents, metalworking fluids, acid neutralization and soil deposition
- As a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids for cutting, stamping and casting operations
It is also used as a solvent for several intravenously administered drugs.
Advantages and disadvantages:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Corrosion inhibitor | Carcinogenic |
| Strong tendency to absorb water | Dangerous |
| – | Damage to liver, kidneys and nervous system |
| – | Toxic and Harmful |
Benefits of Diethanolamine
In general, the benefits of diethanolamine include the following:
- Versatile: This substance is highly sought after due to its versatile capabilities. It acts as a weak base and alcohol. It acts as a neutralizer, emulsifier, pH adjuster, and viscosity modifier, making it a valuable ingredient in formulations.
- Amphoteric Properties: This substance exhibits amphoteric properties, allowing it to act as both an acid and a base. This unique property enables this substance to interact effectively with a wide range of compounds, enhancing the performance and stability of various products.
DEA is also known for its corrosion inhibitor properties. It forms a protective layer on metal surfaces that protects against corrosion and increases the lifespan of equipment and infrastructure.
Global Diethanolamine Market:
The global market value of this material is always expected to grow by 5% during the years 2022 to 2032. The market value of this chemical was $16.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $27.37 billion by 2032. The application of this material in the construction and agricultural industries has increased the demand for this compound. It is used in the agricultural industry to remove weeds and unwanted grasses that are considered a threat to agriculture. The demand for this material as a cleaning agent has influenced the market for this compound. It is present as a chemical intermediate and dispersant in a variety of agricultural chemicals. It is in the form of a colorless liquid that dissolves quickly in ethanol and benzene; However, due to its tendency to absorb water, it is generally seen as a colorless and viscous liquid.
This material is of great interest based on the increasing demand from the paint and coating, pharmaceutical, textile, agricultural and personal care products industries. This compound is a versatile intermediate that is used in the synthesis reactions of drugs and agricultural chemicals. For this reason, the textile industry dominated the global market for this material in 2020. Asia and the Pacific, especially India, China and Thailand, dominated the global market for this material in 2020 with a share of 37%. The main producers of this material in the world include the following companies:
- BASF
- HELM
- Alpha Acer
- Huntsman
- Dow Chemical Company
which in turn had a significant impact on the economic growth of this product.
MSDS and Safety Notes:
This material is a hazardous compound and can damage internal organs including the liver, kidneys and nervous system. Before working with chemicals including diethanolamine, read the relevant safety data sheet.
- After handling, wash hands with water.
- Wear protective clothing, goggles and gloves when working.
- Avoid eating, drinking and smoking while working.
- Contact with eyes can cause serious damage. In case of contact, remove contact lenses if you have them and rinse the affected eye with plenty of water.
- Contact with skin is irritating. After contact, change contaminated clothing and wash the area with plenty of water.
- This material is toxic, corrosive, harmful and dangerous if swallowed. If swallowed, drink plenty of water and rinse mouth with water.
- This material is dangerous if inhaled. Then leave the work area and get fresh air.
- Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, and carbon dioxide to extinguish the fire.
- Store in a closed container in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Control the risks of working with chemicals by following safety precautions.
