Product Description:
Diethanolamine is a chemical compound widely used as an emulsifier or surfactant in various industrial and consumer products, with potential health and safety hazards.
Applications & Uses:
CAS#:
111-42-2
SYNONYM:
2,2'-Iminodiethanol;DEA;Diolamine
FORMULA:
C4H11NO2
PRODUCT TYPE:
HAZARD:
Corrosive
CATEGORIES:
Organic Intermediate
,
Surfactant
,
Detergent
,
Industrial Drilling
Diethanolamine is a versatile organic compound that is a combination of a secondary amine and a diol, featuring two hydroxyl groups and an amine group in its structure. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid with a mild, ammonia-like odor. This compound is highly soluble in water, alcohols, and acetone, enabling it to be used in a wide range of applications.
Diethanolamine serves as an intermediate in the production of surfactants used in detergents, providing effective emulsification, foaming, and wetting properties. It is essential in personal care products, where it acts as an emulsifier and pH regulator in shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. Additionally, diethanolamine is applied in the manufacturing of corrosion inhibitors, where it helps in forming protective coatings to prevent metal corrosion.
In gas treatment processes, diethanolamine is used as a scrubbing agent to remove acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and other industrial gas streams. Its ability to form stable salts with acids makes it valuable in chemical synthesis as a neutralizing agent. Diethanolamine''s compatibility with various chemical processes and its role in enhancing product formulations underscore its importance across diverse industrial sectors.