Monoisopropanol Amine, Monoisopropanolamine, Threamine, Amino Propanol, Iso‑propanolamine, MIPA, 78-96-6

MONOISOPROPANOLAMINE (MIPA)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

• Chemical Name: Monoisopropanolamine, 1-Amino-2-propanol, 2-Hydroxypropylamine

• Synonyms: MIPA, Threamine, Aminopropanol, Amino-2-propanol, Iso-propanolamine, 2-aminopropan-2-ol, 1-Aminoisopropyl alcohol, DL-Isopropanolamine, (2R)-2-hydroxypropan-1-aminium

• CAS Number: 78-96-6

• Molecular Formula: C₃H₉NO

• Molecular Weight: 75.11 g/mol

• EC Number (EINECS): 201-162-7

• MDL Number: MFCD00008136

• Chemical Class: Primary alkanolamine (primary amine + primary alcohol)

• UN Number: 2735 (Amines, liquid, corrosive, n.o.s.)

2. Physical Properties

3. Solubility and Solution Properties

3.1 Solubility in Various Solvents

3.2 Aqueous Solution Properties

4. Chemical Properties

4.1 Molecular Structure

MIPA is a primary alkanolamine consisting of:

• One primary amine group (–NH₂) – reacts with acids, CO₂, H₂S, isocyanates

• One primary alcohol group (–OH) – undergoes typical alcohol reactions

• Chiral center at the 2-carbon (optically active)

Structure: CH₃–CH(OH)–CH₂–NH₂ (1-Amino-2-propanol)

4.2 Chemical Reactivity

4.3 Carbamate Formation (Gas Sweetening Mechanism)

Reaction: RNH₂ + CO₂ ⇌ RNHCOO⁻ + H⁺ (carbamate salt)

MIPA reacts with CO₂ to form a reversible carbamate, enabling solvent regeneration in gas treating processes.

4.4 Thermal Decomposition

4.5 Stability

4.6 Incompatibilities

• Strong oxidizing agents (nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, permanganates)

• Strong acids (exothermic neutralization)

• Acid anhydrides and acid chlorides

• Isocyanates (exothermic reaction)

• Halogenated compounds

• Nitrosating agents (forms potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines)

5. Quality Specifications

5.1 Commercial / Industrial Grade

5.2 High Purity Grade (Pharma/Laboratory)

6. Production Methods

6.1 Reaction of Ammonia with Propylene Oxide (Industrial Standard)

• Reaction: NH₃ + CH₃CH(O)CH₂ → CH₃CH(OH)CH₂NH₂ (plus MIPA, DIPA, TIPA mixture)

• Process: Excess ammonia reacts with propylene oxide under controlled conditions (pressure, temperature) → mixture of mono-, di-, and triisopropanolamines → separation by fractional distillation

• Excess ammonia: Used to favor MIPA formation

• Temperature: 30–60°C (exothermic; cooling required)

• Pressure: 3–10 bar

• Yield: 70–80% MIPA (depending on ratio)

• Co-products: Diisopropanolamine (DIPA) and Triisopropanolamine (TIPA)

6.2 Purification

• Fractional distillation under reduced pressure

• Steam stripping for impurity removal

7. Industrial Applications

7.1 Textile and Fiber Industry (Primary Application – Mandatory)

Why mandatory? MIPA is essential for certain textile processes due to its unique combination of:

• Alkaline pH (effective for saponification)

• Surface activity (wetting and emulsifying)

• Compatibility with anionic and non-ionic surfactants

• Good water solubility

7.2 Surfactant Intermediate

7.3 Metalworking Fluids and Lubricants

7.4 Detergents and Cleaning Products

7.5 Cosmetics and Personal Care

7.6 Gas Treating (Amine Scrubbing)

7.7 Chemical Synthesis Intermediate

7.8 Agricultural Chemicals

7.9 Polyurethane Catalysts

7.10 Electroplating and Metal Cleaning

7.11 Pharmaceuticals

7.12 Paints and Coatings

7.13 Cement Grinding Aids

8. Comparison with Other Alkanolamines

9. Toxicology and Safety

9.1 Acute Toxicity

9.2 Subchronic / Chronic Toxicity

9.3 GHS Classification (EU CLP)

9.4 NFPA Rating

9.5 Occupational Exposure Limits

10. Safety Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hazards:

  • Corrosive – causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314)

  • Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin

  • Hygroscopic – absorbs moisture from air

  • Combustible – keep away from ignition sources

  • Vapor is heavier than air; may accumulate in low-lying areas

• PPE (mandatory):

  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene, EN 374, minimum thickness 0.4 mm)

  • Chemical splash goggles (EN 166) or full face shield – mandatory due to eye hazard

  • Protective clothing (acid/alkali-resistant coverall)

  • Respiratory protection: P2/P3 filter for mists; SCBA for high concentrations

• Engineering controls:

  • Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for heated applications or mist generation

  • Eyewash stations and safety showers in immediate vicinity

• First aid:

  • Eye contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses; seek immediate medical attention

  • Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash with copious soap and water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if burns occur

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; if breathing difficult, give oxygen; if stopped, give artificial respiration; seek medical attention

  • Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth; drink milk or water; seek immediate medical attention

11. Environmental Fate

12. Storage and Handling

12.1 Handling Precautions

12.2 Storage Conditions

12.3 Container Materials

13. Transport Information

14. Synonyms and Common Names

• English: Monoisopropanolamine, MIPA, 1-Amino-2-propanol, 2-Hydroxypropylamine, Isopropanolamine, DL-Isopropanolamine, 1-Aminoisopropyl alcohol, Threamine, Aminopropanol, Amino-2-propanol

• Trade names: MIPA, MIPA 99, MIPA 85, MIPA 70 (various concentrations)

• Chemical names: Propylamine, 2-hydroxy-; 2-Amino-1-propanol (isomer; not the same compound)

• French: Monoisopropanolamine

• German: Monoisopropanolamin

• Spanish: Monoisopropanolamina

• Turkish: Monoizopropanolamin, MIPA

15. Regulatory Status

16. Why Choose Monoisopropanolamine (MIPA)? (Technical Summary)

Limitations:

• Corrosive – Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; requires PPE (goggles, gloves)

• Hygroscopic – Absorbs moisture from air, affecting handling

• Combustible – Flash point 80°C; keep away from ignition sources

• Vapor heavier than air – May accumulate in low-lying areas (ventilation required)

• Metallic corrosion – Corrosive to copper, brass, aluminum, and carbon steel (use stainless steel or plastic equipment)

• Higher vapor pressure than MEA – May lead to evaporative losses in some applications

17. Typical Applications Summary Table

18. Available Commercial Grades

19. Reactivity and Incompatibility – Important Notes

• Reaction with CO₂: MIPA absorbs CO₂ from air to form carbamate salts; store in tightly sealed containers

• Reaction with isocyanates: Exothermic; can lead to rapid polymerization; use appropriate cooling

• Corrosion of metals: Corrosive to copper, brass, aluminum, zinc, and galvanized surfaces; use stainless steel (304, 316) or plastic (HDPE, PP) equipment

• Nitrosamine formation: May form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines when in contact with nitrites or nitrosating agents; avoid such combinations

20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for textile chemists, surfactant formulators, metalworking fluid specialists, cosmetic chemists, gas processing engineers, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.