Product Details

Monoethanolamine

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is an important chemical compound with the formula C₂H₇NO, which is known as an alcoholic amine. It has many applications in various industries. For example, in the oil and gas industry, it is used to absorb and remove harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas. Also, in the chemical industry, MEA is used as a raw material for the production of surfactants and detergents. This compound also plays an important role in the production of chemical fertilizers. In addition, it is used in the pharmaceutical industry as an auxiliary material in the manufacture of drugs. However, due to its alkaline properties and ability to irritate the skin and respiratory tract, safety precautions must be taken when using it.

 

Product brands: Shazand

Usages

It is used in many industries such as cement, metals, cosmetics, detergents, pharmaceuticals, wood, inks and textile processes.

Application of monoethanolamine in the absorption of acid gases

Removal of CO₂ and H₂S: MEA is widely used in the oil and gas industries to remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from natural gases and refinery gases.

Surfactants

MEA is used as a neutralizing and alkalizing agent in the production of detergents, soaps and cleaning products. Monoethanolamine is used in detergents such as dishwashing detergents, multi-purpose detergents and disinfectants. This material has excellent application as an anti-corrosion and neutralizing agent in car wash shampoos and detergents.

Pharmaceutical industries

Chemical intermediate: MEA is used as an intermediate in the production of various medicines and health products.

Chemicals

Production of ethanolamides: MEA is used in the production of ethanolamides, which are used as emulsifiers and stabilizers in various industries.

Auxiliary agent

In the textile industry, it is used as an auxiliary material in the dyeing and finishing processes of fabrics.

Cooling systems and boilers

Ammonia absorber: MEA is used as a chemical in cooling systems and boilers to control pH and prevent corrosion.

Power plant

Monoethanolamine is used to purify residual gases from petroleum processes and is an excellent adsorbent for gases containing carbon dioxide. This material plays a very important role in the production of ammonia, dry ice and liquid carbon dioxide.

Agriculture

It is used in agriculture to neutralize anionic emulsifiers.

Pharmaceuticals

This material is used in the formulation of many drugs, which are mostly used to prepare buffers and emulsions. It is also available in pharmaceutical grade and is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products.

Metalworking fluids

It is used as an anti-corrosion and acid neutralizer to prevent metal rust and corrosion.

Textiles

Its applications in textiles include providing fibers and softeners, and due to its low alkalinity, it is widely used for cleaning silk and wool. It has a very high water absorption and is therefore used to produce printing paste.

Storage conditions

Storage: Should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Suitable containers: This material should be stored in sturdy, resistant containers, preferably made of non-reactive materials such as stainless steel or special plastics, to prevent leakage and damage to the environment.
Adequate ventilation: The storage space should be well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of harmful vapors.
Distance from incompatible materials: Should be kept away from incompatible chemicals, especially acids and oxidizing agents.
Labeling: Containers containing monoethanolamine should be clearly marked and contain safety information.
Restricted access: Access to the storage area should be restricted and only trained and authorized persons are allowed to enter.
By observing these conditions, potential hazards arising from its use and storage can be prevented.

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a viscous liquid with an ammonia-like odor. It is a chemical compound of amino alcohols that contain both alcohol and amine groups. MEA is widely distributed in biological tissues and is a component of lecithin and an organic chemical compound. It is also called ethanolamine.

How is monoethanolamine produced?

This substance is produced from the reaction of ethylene oxide and ammonia. Mono-, di- and trialkanolamines are produced in the reactor and then sent to downstream distillation columns for decomposition. This reaction is exothermic in the production process; in other words, it releases heat during the production stage. In the MEA production process, the reaction rate decreases with increasing carbon monoxide number.

Anhydrous ammonia or aqueous ammonia can be used in the production of this material. However, anhydrous ammonia is used to support its production. If anhydrous ammonia is used, the reactor must produce it at a higher temperature and pressure.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Monoethanolamine

Monoethanolamine has an unpleasant odor. It is a viscous and moist amino alcohol derivative. MEA is a clear, colorless liquid with relatively toxic properties. It produces toxic nitrogen oxides during combustion. Other properties are as follows:

  • Solid below 51°F
  • Boiling point: 171°C
  • Combustion temperature: 186°C

The solubility of ethanolamine is 1000 mg/L at 25°C. This property makes it miscible with methanol, acetone, and glycerin.

Effect of using monoethanolamine on carbon steel

Corrosion in carbon steel materials occurs over time. To prevent corrosion, steel is exposed to certain chemicals. In order to prevent corrosion that may occur on carbon steel, MEA is used by modifying it with certain chemicals. Based on research, it has been found that the use of this material prevents corrosion of carbon steel.

Applications of Monoethanolamine

  • In areas where natural gas drilling is carried out, natural gas is used to remove CO2 and H2S. In other words, it performs gas purification and amine purification processes and has absorbent properties.
  • It is used as an intermediate chemical in the production of surfactants for detergents and cleaners instead of making wood preservatives.
  • It acts as an organic solvent in the paint and pulp industry.
  • It is used as a pH buffering agent in the composition of hair lightening creams in the cosmetics and health care industries.
  • It is used to accelerate the dyeing and dyeing of fibrous materials to deepen the color in these materials.

What is monoethanolamine?

Monoethanolamine is an organic chemical solvent with the chemical formula C2H7NO. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent, ammonia-like odor. It has antihistamine properties and is used in anti-allergy drugs. It is also used as a raw material in the production of detergents, emulsifiers, polishes, drugs, corrosion inhibitors, and chemical intermediates.

Physical and chemical properties:

This compound, which is also known as glycinol, 2-aminoethanol, and olamine, is a viscous, colorless liquid with an unpleasant ammonia-like odor. It is a substance that can cause corrosion in copper and brass containers. It can also destroy the structure of rubber when it comes into contact with it. It is relatively toxic and produces toxic nitrogen oxides when burned.

Structure
Molecular formulaC2H7NO
cas no141-43-5
Mass Molecular61.084 g/mol
AppearanceColorless liquid with a pungent ammonia-like odor
Melting point10.3ºC
Boiling point170ºC
Density1.01 g/cm3
Acidity (Pka)9.5

Method of production Monoethanolamine

This substance can be produced industrially and biochemically, which we will introduce below.

Industrial production

The reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia is used to produce MEA. During this reaction, diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) (buy triethanolamine) are also produced. The ratio of the products produced can be controlled by the stoichiometric amounts of the reactants.

Biochemical Production

This compound can also be synthesized by the decarboxylation reaction of serine. Its reaction equation is given below. Typically, this reaction is carried out in the presence of heat and water.

HOCH2CH(CO2H)NH2 → HOCH2CH2NH2 + CO2

Applications of Monoethanolamine

This substance has many applications in a wide range of industries, which we will introduce below.

Gas purification

These substances can purify smoke from burning coal, methane, and biogases. Using MEA as a purifier can reduce climate change and make the historic coal and biogas industries more modern, healthier, and more marketable. This compound is also used to purify the air of submarines.

MEA solutions in water are used as a gas stream scrubber in amine purifiers. For example, it is used to remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from various gas streams such as sour gas. This compound can ionize acidic compounds, making them polar and soluble.

Production of Ethylenediamine

This material can be used to produce ethylenediamine. For this, ethanolamine reacts with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst and hydrogen gas.

Ethylenediamine is the starting material for the production of the chelating agent EDTA (EDTA); EDTA is used in various forms such as EDTA 2 sodium

and EDTA 4 sodium for this purpose.

 

Amine pH control

It is used to alkalize water in power plants, such as nuclear power plants with pressurized water reactors. This alkalization is done to control corrosion of metal components. The reason for using this material is its uniform distribution throughout the steam cycle.

Surfactant

This compound is used in the production of detergents such as shampoos, foams, emulsifiers and liquid soaps as a raw material for producing surfactants.

In fact, it is recommended as a component of detergent formulations.

Color:

Since it is an alkaline agent like ammonia (Buy Ammonia), it is widely used in hair coloring. In fact, it can neutralize color intermediates and swell the hair cuticle. Therefore, it facilitates the penetration of color pigments into the depth of the hair. Reducing agents prevent premature oxidation of colorants and stabilize the hair color product until use.

Medicines:

It plays a role in the production of various drugs and acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Personal care products:

It is used in these products due to its emulsifying and pH-adjusting properties.

Gas purification:

It is used in these products due to its emulsifying and pH-adjusting properties.

Other uses

Other uses of this material include the following:

  • Adding to cement for rapid drying and also preventing cracking and freezing at low temperatures
  • Neutralizing acids in lubricants
  • Preventing corrosion, rust
  • Producing antihistamine drugs
  • Controlling pH in the preparation of inks, dyes and textiles
  • In wood preservatives, increasing the life of wood

This compound is very valuable in various industries.

Advantages and disadvantages:

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Ability to regenerateCorrosion of copper and brass utensils
Has corrosion-inhibiting properties and can protect industrial equipment.Relatively toxic
Low production cost compared to other aminesDangerous to humans and the environment
Physical and chemical properties DesirableHazardous effects for eyes and mouth
Biodegradability
Negligible toxicity to aquatic life
High reaction rate with carbon dioxide
High heat absorption

 

MSDS Monoethanolamine 

It is necessary to read the safety precautions related to chemicals before working with them.

  • It is a highly corrosive compound and damages tissues when it comes into contact with them.
  • It is a toxic substance and produces nitrous oxide gases when burned.
  • Use protective clothing, gloves, and goggles when working.
  • Contact with this substance with the skin and eyes causes inflammation, redness, and irritation.
  • Long-term contact with this substance has adverse effects on the kidneys and liver.
  • Inhalation of the gases of this compound irritates the respiratory system.
  • Swallowing this substance irritates the digestive tract and burns and damages the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.