What Is Diethanolamine (DEA)?
Diethanolamine (DEA), also known as 2,2'-iminodiethan-1-ol or bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, is a secondary amine with the molecular formula (HOCH₂CH₂)₂NH and CAS number 111-42-2. Like its sibling monoethanolamine (MEA), DEA is a member of the ethanolamine family - but with two hydroxyethyl groups on the nitrogen instead of one, making it a secondary rather than primary amine.
DEA is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous, hygroscopic solid at room temperature (melting point ~28 °C), becoming liquid when warmed slightly. It is fully miscible with water, methanol, and acetone. DEA is a moderate base (pKa ≈ 8.88) - somewhat weaker than MEA - with a characteristic mild amine odor.
Commercially, DEA is co-produced with MEA and TEA by reacting ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia. The DEA fraction - the doubly substituted product - is separated by distillation. SinoLook Chem supplies two standard grades: high-purity 99% (DEA99 Type I) and a more economical 85% aqueous solution.
Key differentiator from MEA: DEA's secondary amine character makes it less reactive with CO₂ than MEA (forming a bicarbonate rather than a stable carbamate), but highly effective in acid gas absorption, surfactant synthesis, and corrosion inhibition where its dual hydroxyl groups provide additional functionality.
Product Grades & Specifications
SinoLook Chem offers DEA in two standard grades. Certificates of Analysis (CoA) are issued per batch on request.
Grade Comparison
| Parameter | DEA 99% (Type I) | DEA 85% Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (DEA content) | ≥ 99.5% | 84.0 – 86.0% |
| Water content | ≤ 0.1% | ~15% (balance) |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.097 g/cm³ | ~1.075 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 268.8 °C | ~230 °C |
| Melting / Freezing Point | 28.0 °C (solid at RT) | ~0 °C (liquid at RT) |
| Flash Point (cc) | 138 °C | ~124 °C |
| Viscosity (20 °C) | ~351 mPa·s | ~80–120 mPa·s |
| Color (Hazen / APHA) | ≤ 15 | ≤ 30 |
| MEA impurity | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.15% |
| TEA impurity | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.30% |
| Physical state at 25 °C | Solid / near-solid | Viscous liquid |
| Handling at ambient temp | May require heating to pump | Easier - liquid at room temp |
| Relative cost | Higher | ~15–20% lower |
| Applicable Standards | HG/T 3268-2002 · ISO 9001 | HG/T 3268-2002 · ISO 9001 |
| Packaging | 200 L drum · 1000 L IBC · ISO Tank | |
| Best for | Gas sweetening · Precision synthesis · Pharma | Surfactants · Metalworking · Textiles · Detergents |
DEA 99%+ Detailed Specification
DEA 99% Type I - Official Specification with CoA Results. Tested per HG/T 3268-2002 and ASTM methods. Typical CoA results shown from actual batch testing.
| Parameter | Specification | Typical CoA Result | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Bright & Clear | Bright & Clear | Visual |
| Diethanolamine (DEA), %(m/m) | Min 99.5 | 99.89 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Monoethanolamine (MEA), %(m/m) | Max 0.05 | 0.022 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Triethanolamine (TEA), %(m/m) | Max 0.10 | 0 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Water, %(m/m) | Max 0.10 | 0.031 | ASTM E203 |
| Color, Hazen (Co-Pt) | Max 15 | 10 | GB/T 3143-1982 |
| Ethanol, %(m/m) | Max 0.10 | 0 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
Additional Physical Properties (DEA 99%)
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₁₁NO₂ | MW: 105.14 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 111-42-2 | - |
| Physical State (25 °C) | Near-solid / very viscous | MP ~28 °C; may require slight heating |
| Boiling Point | 268.8 °C at 1 atm | 516 °F |
| Melting Point | 28.0 °C | 82.4 °F |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.097 g/cm³ | ≈ 9.15 lb/gal |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | 138 °C (280 °F) | ASTM D93 |
| Vapor Pressure (20 °C) | < 0.01 mmHg | Extremely low volatility |
| Viscosity (20 °C) | ~351 mPa·s | Heating aids pumping |
| pKa | 8.88 | At 25 °C - weaker base than MEA |
| Refractive Index (20 °C) | 1.4776 | - |
| Amine Value (theoretical) | ~534 mg KOH/g | - |
DEA 85% Solution - Full Specification
DEA 85% is a 84–86 wt% aqueous solution of diethanolamine in deionized water. It is liquid at ambient temperature, eliminating the heating requirements of pure DEA 99%.
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Diethanolamine (DEA), %(m/m) | 84.0 – 86.0 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Water, %(m/m) | ~14.0 – 16.0 (balance) | ASTM E203 (Karl Fischer) |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid | Visual |
| Color, Hazen (Co-Pt) | ≤ 30 | GB/T 3143-1982 |
| MEA impurity, %(m/m) | ≤ 0.15 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| TEA impurity, %(m/m) | ≤ 0.30 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Density (20 °C), g/cm³ | ~1.073 – 1.078 | ASTM D4052 |
| pH (1% aq. solution, 25 °C) | 10.5 – 11.5 | ASTM D1287 |
| Flash Point (closed cup), °C | ~124 | ASTM D93 |
| Viscosity (20 °C), mPa·s | ~80 – 120 | ASTM D445 |
| Boiling Point (approx.), °C | ~225 – 235 | At 1 atm |
Water used is deionized. DEA 85% remains liquid at ambient temperature (above ~0 °C), making it significantly easier to handle than DEA 99% which is near its melting point at room temperature.
Diethanolamine Uses & Applications
DEA's secondary amine character combined with two hydroxyl groups gives it distinct reactivity, making it the preferred choice in several key industrial sectors. Grade tags: 99% = pure grade, 85% = aqueous solution, both tags = either grade applicable.
Gas Sweetening & Acid Gas Removal
DEA is the traditional amine solvent for H₂S and CO₂ removal from natural gas and refinery streams, particularly preferred where COS (carbonyl sulfide) is present - DEA hydrolyzes COS more effectively than MEA. Used in SNPA-DEA and Shell DEA gas treating processes.
99%Surfactant & Detergent Synthesis
DEA condenses with fatty acids or fatty acid methyl esters to form diethanolamine fatty acid amides (e.g. cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA) - foam boosters and viscosity enhancers widely used in shampoos, liquid soaps, and industrial cleaners.
99% 85%Metalworking Fluids & Corrosion Inhibition
DEA functions as a corrosion inhibitor and pH buffer in water-based metalworking coolants and cutting fluids. Its two hydroxyl groups chelate metal ions effectively, providing superior protection on ferrous and non-ferrous metal surfaces.
99% 85%Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care
Used as a pH adjuster and emulsifier in topical creams, lotions, and pharmaceutical formulations. DEA fusidate is the active ingredient in several topical antibiotic preparations. Note: concentration limits apply in EU cosmetics regulations.
99%Chemical Synthesis Intermediate
Precursor to morpholine, chelating agents, herbicides, fungicides, and rubber vulcanization accelerators. Also used as a biochemical buffer (pH 9–11) in analytical chemistry.
99% 85%Textile & Leather Processing
Applied as a scouring agent, pH regulator, and lubricant in textile wet processing. Improves dye fixation, fabric softness, and uniformity of dyeing on cotton and synthetic fiber blends.
85%Water Treatment
Used as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial cooling water systems, boiler water treatment, and oil field water injection systems. DEA's dual hydroxyl groups provide effective chelation and scale inhibition alongside pH buffering.
85%Cement & Construction Additives
Used in cement grinding aid formulations, concrete admixtures, and mineral flotation where the combination of amine alkalinity and hydroxyl groups improves dispersion and surface modification of mineral particles.
85%Photographic & Printing Chemicals
Used as an alkaline activator in photographic developers and as a pH modifier in printing inks and coatings. Its low volatility and high boiling point make it preferable to volatile amines in these applications.
99%Safety, Handling & Regulatory Information
DEA 99% is a corrosive, combustible material with very low vapor pressure - inhalation risk is low under normal industrial conditions. DEA 85% has a similar hazard profile with the additional benefit of being liquid at ambient temperature. Full PPE is required for both grades.
| Safety Parameter | DEA 99% | DEA 85% Solution |
|---|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Acute Tox. 4 (oral); Skin Corr. 1B; Eye Dam. 1; Skin Sens. 1 | |
| GHS Signal Word | DANGER | |
| UN Number / Packing Group | UN 1760 / PG III | UN 1760 / PG III |
| LD50 (oral, rat) | ~2800 mg/kg | |
| OSHA PEL TWA | 3 ppm (13 mg/m³) | |
| ACGIH TLV-TWA | 1 ppm | |
| Flash Point (cc) | 138 °C (280 °F) | ~124 °C (typical) |
| NFPA 704 | Health: 2 · Flammability: 1 · Reactivity: 0 | |
| California Prop 65 | Listed - carcinogenicity via skin absorption. Industrial process use not restricted. | |
| EU Cosmetics Regulation | Restricted in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products (EC 1223/2009) | |
| Storage | Store above 28 °C to keep liquid; away from acids & oxidizers | 10–40 °C; away from strong acids & oxidizers |
| Incompatibilities | Strong acids, strong oxidizers, isocyanates, acid chlorides, copper alloys | |
| REACH Status | Registered (CAS 111-42-2) | |
| SDS / MSDS Download | DEA 99% SDS (PDF) | DEA 85% SDS (PDF) |
B2B Supply Solutions & Logistics
SinoLook Chem supplies DEA to B2B clients in 50+ countries from China, backed by 10+ years of export experience and a multilingual team available 24/7.
📦 Order Quantities
MOQ: 1 MT (200 L drum) for trial orders. Standard: 20 MT (1× 20'GP). Volume discounts for ≥ 100 MT/quarter.
🚢 Packaging & Ports
200 L drums · 1000 L IBC · ISO tanks. Ex-Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin. FCL/LCL, CIF & DDP available.
⏱ Lead Time
In-stock: 3–5 working days. Custom specs or large orders: 10–15 days. Real-time shipment tracking provided.
💳 Payment Terms
T/T 30% advance, 70% vs B/L. L/C at sight for orders >50 MT. OA available for long-term clients (2+ years history).
- ✓ ISO 9001:2015 certified - triple QC inspection: raw materials → in-process sampling → final product analysis
- ✓ Full export documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, CoA, SDS/MSDS, certificate of origin
- ✓ REACH and local regulatory compliance; import permit assistance available on request
- ✓ Free 500 mL samples (freight collect) for new clients to verify specification before bulk purchase
- ✓ Heated storage and insulated packaging available for DEA 99% (near its melting point at ambient temperature)
- ✓ OEM services: private labeling, custom packaging, custom DEA concentration on request
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical and commercial questions about diethanolamine from our B2B customers worldwide.
What is diethanolamine (DEA) and what is it used for?
Diethanolamine (DEA, CAS 111-42-2) is a secondary amine with the formula (HOCH₂CH₂)₂NH. It is used primarily as a raw material for surfactants (cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA), as a solvent for acid gas removal (H₂S, CO₂) in natural gas sweetening, as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids and water treatment, as a pH adjuster in personal care products, and as a chemical intermediate for morpholine and herbicide synthesis.
Is diethanolamine (DEA) a carcinogen? What about Prop 65?
DEA itself is not classified as a human carcinogen by IARC. However, California Proposition 65 lists diethanolamine as a substance known to cause cancer - specifically via repeated skin absorption in cosmetics use. It is not genotoxic, and the cancer concern relates to chronic dermal exposure, not industrial inhalation or ingestion at normal workplace levels. Industrial use in synthesis, gas treating, and metalworking does not carry the same restriction. SinoLook Chem can provide regulatory guidance specific to your end-use application.
What is the difference between DEA 99% and DEA 85%?
DEA 99% is essentially pure diethanolamine, used where high purity and low water content are required - gas sweetening, pharmaceutical synthesis, and precision surfactant production. A key practical difference: DEA 99% has a melting point of ~28 °C, meaning it may solidify at room temperature and require heating for pumping and transfer. DEA 85% is a ~85 wt% aqueous solution that remains liquid at ambient temperatures, making it far easier to handle without heating. It is approximately 15–20% lower cost and suitable for most industrial applications where ultra-high purity is not critical.
What is the difference between DEA and MEA?
Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a primary amine (H₂N–CH₂CH₂OH) while diethanolamine (DEA) is a secondary amine ((HOCH₂CH₂)₂NH). MEA is more reactive with CO₂ (forms a stable carbamate), making it the preferred solvent for post-combustion CO₂ capture. DEA forms only a bicarbonate with CO₂ and is slower to react, but is preferred where COS (carbonyl sulfide) is present in the gas stream, and for applications requiring a milder, less corrosive amine. DEA has a higher molecular weight (105 vs 61 g/mol), higher boiling point (268 vs 170 °C), and is solid near room temperature unlike MEA.
What is the diethanolamine price?
DEA pricing depends on purity grade, order quantity, and delivery terms. DEA is typically priced slightly higher than MEA per kg due to higher molecular weight and production ratio. DEA 85% solution is approximately 15–20% lower cost than DEA 99%. Contact sales@sinolookchem.com with your required quantity and destination for a current competitive quote, valid 7 days from issuance.
What is the diethanolamine HS code?
The Harmonized System (HS) code for diethanolamine is 2922.12 (amino alcohols - diethanolamine and its salts). The India HSN code is 29221200. Always verify the applicable tariff classification with your local customs authority.
Is diethanolamine safe in shampoo and cosmetics?
DEA and its derivatives (cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA) have historically been used in shampoos and personal care products as foam boosters. However, due to California Prop 65 listing and EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009), their use is now restricted in cosmetics. Many cosmetics manufacturers have reformulated to use alternative amides. SinoLook Chem recommends buyers confirm applicable regulations in their market before using DEA in consumer cosmetic formulations.
Why is DEA 99% sometimes solid at room temperature?
Pure diethanolamine has a melting point of approximately 28 °C (82 °F). At typical ambient temperatures (20–25 °C), DEA 99% is at or below its melting point and can solidify or become extremely viscous. It is important to store DEA 99% above 30 °C and use heated drum unloading equipment. DEA 85% aqueous solution eliminates this issue - it remains liquid at ambient temperatures down to approximately 0 °C, making it a more practical choice for facilities without heated storage.
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