Monoethanolamine, Mono Ethanol Amine, MEA, 141-43-5

Monoethanolamine, Mono Ethanol Amine, MEA, 141-43-5

MONOETHANOLAMINE (MEA)

CAS 141-43-5 | C₂H₇NO

SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

Description: Monoethanolamine (MEA) is the simplest member of the ethanolamine family, classified as an amino alcohol. It is a colorless to light yellow viscous liquid with an ammoniacal odor. It is highly hygroscopic and is completely miscible with water, ethanol, and acetone. MEA is widely used for the removal of acid gases (CO₂, H₂S) from natural gas and petroleum gas, and in the production of surfactants, emulsifiers, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, dyes, and cosmetic products. It is also used in the textile industry as an antistatic agent, mothproofing agent, and detergent.

SECTION 2: SYNONYMS AND OTHER NAMES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES

Structural Formula:

    NH₂ - CH₂ - CH₂ - OH

    2-Aminoethanol (Monoethanolamine / MEA)

Key Characteristics:

• Viscous liquid with ammoniacal odor

• Highly hygroscopic

• Fully miscible with water, ethanol, and acetone

• Slightly soluble in benzene, ether, and carbon tetrachloride

• Weak base; forms salts with acids

• Absorbs acid gases (CO₂, H₂S, SO₂)

• Reacts with fatty acids to form alkanolamides

• Flammable (flash point ~93°C)

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 5: REACTIVITY AND STABILITY

SECTION 6: APPLICATIONS

SECTION 7: PREPARATION METHOD

Synthesis Route (Ethylene Oxide Ammoniation Process):

C₂H₄O + NH₃ → MEA (Monoethanolamine)
C₂H₄O + MEA → DEA (Diethanolamine)
C₂H₄O + DEA → TEA (Triethanolamine)

Process Steps:

1. Ethylene oxide and ammonia water are fed to the reactor (30-40°C, 0.7-3 MPa)

2. Condensation reaction forms MEA, DEA, and TEA mixture

3. Ammonia is recovered in the deamination column

4. Dehydration and concentration at 90-120°C

5. Vacuum distillation in three distillation columns to separate products by boiling point (168-174°C fraction is MEA)

6. Final product purity 98-99%

Reaction Stoichiometry:

• NH₃/EO ratio adjusted to control MEA/DEA/TEA distribution

• Ethylene oxide conversion ~100%

• Ethanolamine yield ~95%

SECTION 8: ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

SECTION 9: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 10: SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

GHS Classification:

• R10 – Flammable

• R20/21/22 – Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin, and if swallowed

• R34 – Causes burns

• R52/53 – Harmful to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

Safety Recommendations:

• S26: In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water and seek medical advice

• S36/37/39: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection

• S45: In case of accident, seek medical advice

• S61: Avoid release to the environment

• PPE: Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile/butyl), safety goggles, protective clothing, and respiratory protection

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; separate from acids, oxidizing agents, and nitrites

SECTION 11: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Packaging Options:

• 200 kg carbon steel or stainless steel drums

• 1,000 kg IBC containers

• Bulk tanker deliveries

SECTION 12: QUALITY CERTIFICATES AND STANDARDS

SECTION 13: DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL NOTICE

DISCLAIMER (LEGAL NOTICE): This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding specification. The values stated herein are based on typical laboratory results. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for the intended application and for ensuring compliance with all local regulations. A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) should be requested prior to use. May cause skin and eye irritation; appropriate protective measures should be taken. Should not be used with nitrite corrosion inhibitors (nitrosamine carcinogen formation risk). This document does not grant any license or patent rights for use of the product.