What Is Monoethanolamine (MEA)?
Monoethanolamine (MEA), also known as 2-aminoethanol or ethanolamine, is the simplest member of the ethanolamine family. With molecular formula C₂H₇NO, it is a bifunctional molecule carrying both a primary amine group (–NH₂) and a hydroxyl group (–OH), giving it the dual character of an amine and an alcohol simultaneously.
In its pure form, MEA is a colorless, hygroscopic, viscous liquid with a mild ammonia-like odor. It is completely miscible with water and polar solvents, and behaves as a moderate base (pKa ≈ 9.5) in aqueous solution - highly reactive with acidic gases (CO₂, H₂S), fatty acids, isocyanates, and other electrophiles.
MEA is commercially produced by reacting ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia, co-producing diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). The mono-substituted MEA is separated by fractional distillation.
SinoLook Chem supplies MEA from affiliated factories with 50,000 MT/year capacity, serving B2B clients in 50+ countries under ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management. We offer two standard grades: high-purity ≥99.5% and a cost-effective 70% aqueous solution.
Product Grades & Specifications
We offer two standard MEA grades. Select a tab to view the specification sheet for each grade. Certificates of Analysis (CoA) are issued per batch on request.
Grade Comparison
| Parameter | MEA 99%+ (High Purity) | MEA 70% Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (MEA content) | ≥ 99.5% Industrial ≥ 99.9% Pharma ≥ 99.8% Food Grade |
69.0 – 71.0% |
| Water content | ≤ 0.1% | 29.0 – 31.0% (deionized) |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.017 g/cm³ | 0.985 – 0.995 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 170.5 °C | 165 – 170 °C |
| Melting Point | −10.5 °C | −8 to −3 °C (freezing pt) |
| Flash Point (cc) | 93 °C | ≥ 75 °C (typical: 78 °C) |
| Viscosity | 24.1 mPa·s at 20 °C | 18 – 22 mPa·s at 25 °C |
| pH | 12.1 (0.1 mol/L aq.) | 10.8 – 11.8 (1% aq.) |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 10 | ≤ 20 |
| DEA impurity | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.25% |
| Ammonia | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.20% |
| Refractive Index (20 °C) | ~1.4541 | 1.4480 – 1.4510 |
| Inhalation risk | Higher – ventilation required | Lower (water reduces volatility) |
| Relative cost | Higher | ~20–30% lower |
| Applicable Standards | GB/T 4649-2018 · USP · FCC VI | ASTM D4569 · ASTM D4052 |
| Packaging | 200 L drum · 1000 L IBC · ISO Tank | |
| Best for | Gas sweetening · CO₂ capture · Pharma · Surfactant synthesis | Detergents · Metalworking · Textiles · Construction · CO₂ pilot |
MEA 99%+ Detailed Specification
MEA 99%+ Detailed Specification - Available sub-grades: Industrial (≥99.5%), Pharmaceutical/USP (≥99.9%), Food Grade (≥99.8%), Technical (≥99.0%). Each batch triple-inspected: raw material → in-process → final product.
| Parameter | Specification | Notes / Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (MEA) | ≥ 99.5% (Industrial); ≥ 99.9% (Pharma) | GC / Potentiometric titration |
| Molecular Formula | C₂H₇NO | MW: 61.08 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 141-43-5 | - |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Visual |
| Water content | ≤ 0.1% | Karl Fischer |
| Diethanolamine (DEA) | ≤ 0.1% | GC |
| Triethanolamine (TEA) | ≤ 0.05% | GC |
| Ammonia | ≤ 0.05% | Potentiometric titration |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 10 | APHA standard |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.017 g/cm³ | ≈ 8.48 lb/gal |
| Boiling Point | 170.5 °C at 1 atm | 339 °F |
| Melting Point | −10.5 °C | Fluidity maintained in cold storage |
| Viscosity (20 °C) | 24.1 mPa·s | Easy to pump and blend |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | 93 °C (199 °F) | ASTM D93 |
| pH (0.1 mol/L aq., 25 °C) | 12.1 | Strongly basic |
| pKa | 9.50 | At 25 °C |
| Refractive Index (20 °C) | 1.4541 | - |
| Vapor Pressure (20 °C) | 0.36 mmHg | Low volatility |
| Surface Tension (20 °C) | 48.9 mN/m | - |
| Amine Value (theoretical) | ~918 mg KOH/g | - |
| Applicable Standards | GB/T 4649-2018 | Also USP 43-NF 38; FCC VI; ISO 9001 |
MEA 70% Solution - Full Specification
MEA 70% Solution - Full Specification with Typical CoA Values
All parameters tested per ASTM methods. Concentration strictly controlled 69.0–71.0 wt%. Custom concentrations available.
| Parameter | Specification | Typical CoA Result | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monoethanolamine (MEA), wt% | 69.0 – 71.0 | 70.2 | ASTM D4569 |
| Water, wt% (m/m) | 29.0 – 31.0 | 29.8 | ASTM E203 |
| Ammonia, wt% | ≤ 0.20 | 0.03 | ASTM D1426 |
| Diethanolamine (DEA), wt% | ≤ 0.25 | 0.05 | ASTM D4569 |
| Triethanolamine (TEA), wt% | ≤ 0.10 | 0.02 | ASTM D4569 |
| Ethanol, wt% | ≤ 0.10 | 0.01 | ASTM D4569 |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 20 | 12 | APHA |
| Density (20 °C), g/cm³ | 0.985 – 0.995 | 0.990 | ASTM D4052 |
| Boiling Point (760 mmHg), °C | 165 – 170 | 168.5 | ASTM D1120 |
| Freezing Point, °C | −8 to −3 | −5.2 | ASTM D1177 |
| Flash Point (closed cup), °C | ≥ 75 | 78 | ASTM D93 |
| Viscosity (25 °C), mPa·s | 18 – 22 | 20.5 | ASTM D445 |
| pH (1% aq. solution, 25 °C) | 10.8 – 11.8 | 11.2 | ASTM D1287 |
| Refractive Index (20 °C) | 1.4480 – 1.4510 | 1.4495 | ASTM D1218 |
Water used is deionized (Type II). OEM custom concentrations (e.g. 80%, 85%) available on request with agreed specification.
Monoethanolamine Uses & Applications
MEA's bifunctional amine-alcohol structure makes it exceptionally versatile. Grade tags: 99% = pure grade, 70% = aqueous solution, both tags = either grade works.
CO₂ Capture & Carbon Capture (CCS)
30 wt% MEA is the benchmark solvent for post-combustion CO₂ absorption. MEA 70% provides a cost-effective option for pilot and smaller-scale monoethanolamine CO₂ scrubber projects.
99% 70%Gas Sweetening (H₂S & CO₂ Removal)
High-purity MEA selectively absorbs H₂S and CO₂ from natural gas and refinery streams - removes up to 99.9% of H₂S. Stable performance up to 120 °C in regenerative amine units.
99%Detergents, Surfactants & Cleaners
MEA reacts with fatty acids to form MEA soaps used as emulsifiers in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, oven cleaners, and floor strippers. Key raw material for cocamide MEA (CMEA).
99% 70%Metalworking & Corrosion Inhibition
Added to coolants, cutting fluids, and metal cleaning agents for corrosion protection on ferrous metals, improved lubrication during machining, and removal of oils and debris. Also used in industrial water treatment.
70%Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care
Pharmaceutical-grade MEA (USP/EP) adjusts pH in oral and topical medications, emulsifies creams and lotions, and solubilizes APIs. A milder ammonia alternative in hair dye formulations.
99%Textile & Printing
Functions as a dyeing auxiliary, pH regulator, and fabric softener - enhancing dye uptake and uniform coloration on cotton, polyester, and blends. Also improves color fastness in textile printing pastes.
70%Agriculture & Herbicides
Salt-forming agent for herbicide active ingredients (e.g. clopyralid monoethanolamine salt), improving aqueous solubility and bioavailability of agrochemical formulations.
99%Construction & Cement
Added to cement admixtures, concrete plasticizers, and construction adhesives - improves workability, reduces water demand, accelerates setting, and enhances bond strength of construction materials.
70%Chemical Synthesis Intermediate
Precursor to ethyleneamines, morpholine, plasticizers, rubber accelerators, and pharmaceutical intermediates. Reacts with CO₂, H₂S, fatty acids, formaldehyde, and isocyanates.
99% 70%MEA & CO₂: How Monoethanolamine Carbon Capture Works
MEA's most industrially significant reaction is its rapid, reversible absorption of CO₂ - the basis for monoethanolamine CO₂ capture (CCS) and natural gas sweetening. MEA 99% is the standard; MEA 70% is economical for pilot-scale projects or where dilution to a 30 wt% working solution is required.
Absorption - Absorber Column (~40 °C)
MEA reacts with CO₂ to form a carbamate salt. Reaction is fast and selective even at low CO₂ partial pressures - >90% CO₂ removal efficiency in well-designed absorbers.
Regeneration - Stripper Column (~120 °C)
Thermal decomposition in the stripper releases pure CO₂ and regenerates the MEA solvent. Typical MEA loading: 0.5 mol CO₂/mol MEA. Regeneration energy: ~3.5–4 GJ/ton CO₂.
Similarly, MEA reacts with H₂S in gas sweetening: 2 MEA + H₂S → (MEAH⁺)₂S²⁻, with thermal regeneration at ~120 °C releasing H₂S for sulfur recovery. SinoLook Chem can supply bulk MEA for amine unit makeup and top-up to refineries and gas processing plants worldwide.
Safety, Handling & Regulatory Information
MEA 99%+ is a corrosive and combustible liquid. MEA 70% has lower volatility due to its 30% water content, reducing inhalation risk - though corrosivity precautions apply to both. Always consult the full grade-specific SDS before handling.
| Safety Parameter | MEA 99%+ | MEA 70% Solution |
|---|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Acute Tox. 4 (oral, dermal); Skin Corr. 1B; Eye Dam. 1; STOT SE 3 | |
| GHS Signal Word | DANGER | |
| UN Number / Packing Group | UN 2491 / PG III | UN 2491 / PG III |
| LD50 (oral, rat) | 1720 mg/kg | |
| NIOSH IDLH | 30 ppm | |
| OSHA PEL TWA | 3 ppm (8 mg/m³) | |
| ACGIH TLV-TWA | 3 ppm | |
| NFPA 704 | Health: 3 · Flammability: 1 · Reactivity: 0 | |
| Flash Point (cc) | 93 °C (199 °F) | 78 °C (typical) |
| Inhalation risk vs pure MEA | Higher – ensure ventilation | Lower (low vapor pressure) |
| Storage | 10–40 °C · away from strong acids, oxidizers, galvanized steel | |
| Incompatibilities | Strong acids, strong oxidizers, copper alloys, galvanized steel | |
| REACH Status | Registered (CAS 141-43-5) | |
| SDS / MSDS Download | MEA 99% SDS (PDF) | MEA 70% SDS (PDF) |
B2B Supply Solutions & Logistics
SinoLook Chem is a China-based MEA manufacturer and exporter with 10+ years of export experience, serving clients in 50+ countries. Our multilingual team (English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian) is available 24/7.
📦 Order Quantities
MOQ: 1 MT (200 L drum) for trials. Standard: 20 MT (1× 20'GP). Discounts up to 8% for orders ≥ 100 MT/quarter.
🚢 Packaging & Ports
200 L drums · 1000 L IBC · ISO tanks. Shipping from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin. FCL/LCL, CIF & DDP available.
⏱ Lead Time
In-stock: 3–5 working days. Custom specs: 10–15 working days. Real-time shipment tracking provided throughout.
💳 Payment Terms
T/T: 30% advance, 70% vs B/L. L/C at sight for orders >50 MT. OA available for established clients (2+ years history).
- ✓ ISO 9001:2015 certified - triple inspection: raw materials → in-process sampling → final product analysis
- ✓ Full export documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, CoA, SDS/MSDS, certificate of origin
- ✓ REACH, FDA, and local regulation compliance; import permit assistance available
- ✓ Free 500 mL samples (freight collect) for new clients to test before bulk orders
- ✓ OEM/ODM: private labeling, custom packaging, custom MEA concentration on request
- ✓ Dedicated account managers and technical engineers for after-sales support and application guidance
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