Diethanolamine (DEA) – CAS 111-42-2

What Is Diethanolamine?

Diethanolamine, commonly abbreviated as DEA, is a water-soluble alkanolamine containing one secondary amine group and two hydroxyl groups. Its CAS number is 111-42-2.

Because DEA combines amine alkalinity with alcohol functionality, it can act as a neutralizing agent, acid-gas absorbent and reactive intermediate. It is used in gas treatment, surfactant production, metalworking chemicals, cement additives, agrochemical intermediates and other industrial synthesis processes.

Pure diethanolamine has a freezing or solidification point close to 28°C. It may therefore appear as a clear viscous liquid, a white crystalline solid or a mixture of liquid and crystals depending on temperature and water content.

AOZUN supplies industrial-grade diethanolamine for international customers. The appropriate specification and product form should be selected according to the customer’s process, climate and regulatory requirements.

Diethanolamine Product Information

Why Choose AOZUN as Your Diethanolamine Supplier?

AOZUN supports industrial buyers requiring consistent DEA quality, export documentation and application-based product selection.

Our supply advantages include:

• Industrial-grade DEA with controlled assay

• Control of monoethanolamine and triethanolamine impurities

• Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis

• SDS and technical-document support

• Drum, IBC and other packaging options subject to confirmation

• Sample support for customer qualification

• International shipping experience

• Assistance selecting pure or diluted DEA grades

• Support for application-specific specification discussions

• Documentation for destination-market review

Please provide the intended application, required purity, water limit, annual consumption, destination and packaging requirement when requesting a quotation.

Typical AOZUN Diethanolamine Specifications

The following table is based on the standard industrial grade currently presented by AOZUN. The approved sales specification and batch COA take precedence.

Higher-purity or tighter-moisture options should only be advertised when confirmed by AOZUN’s approved specification.

For sensitive synthesis, light-colored formulations or controlled gas-treatment systems, buyers may request individual limits for:

• Monoethanolamine

• Triethanolamine

• Water

• APHA or Pt-Co color

• Iron

• Residue

• Chloride

• Residual nitrosamines

Availability of additional testing should be confirmed before ordering.

Reference Physical Properties

The following values are general reference data and are not contractual specifications.

Actual values may vary with purity, water content and test method.

Why Can Diethanolamine Be Solid at Room Temperature?

High-purity DEA has a solidification point close to 28°C. The product may crystallize during storage or transportation when the ambient temperature falls below this range.

Crystallization does not automatically indicate contamination or product failure.

DEA may be supplied as:

• A clear or slightly colored viscous liquid

• A partially crystallized liquid

• A white or off-white crystalline mass

Before transfer, solidified DEA may require controlled warming using equipment and procedures approved for the storage system. Do not use open flames or uncontrolled direct heating.

After controlled melting, the material should be mixed appropriately before sampling so that the test sample represents the entire container.

Pure DEA vs Low-Freeze DEA: What Is the Difference?

Commercial suppliers may offer both high-purity DEA and diluted low-freeze grades.

DEA 90 and DEA 99 should not be treated as weight-for-weight substitutes.

Before changing grades, calculate:

• Active DEA content

• Additional water entering the process

• Required neutralization capacity

• Storage and pumping conditions

• Shipping economics

• Effect on reaction yield or formulation solids

AOZUN availability for low-freeze grades should be confirmed when requesting a quotation.

What Is Diethanolamine Used For?

Gas Treating and Acid-Gas Removal

DEA is used in aqueous amine systems for the bulk removal of acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.

In a typical circulating process, DEA absorbs acid gases in an absorber. The rich amine solution is then regenerated so that it can be returned to the system.

Performance depends on:

• DEA concentration

• Acid-gas composition

• Gas pressure

• Absorber temperature

• Regeneration conditions

• Circulation rate

• Equipment design

• Corrosion control

• Heat-stable salt concentration

• Degradation-product management

DEA should not be introduced into a gas-treatment unit without process engineering, corrosion review and compatibility testing.

Surfactants and Detergent Intermediates

DEA is used as a reactive intermediate in the manufacture of selected surfactants, emulsifiers and fatty-acid alkanolamide derivatives.

These derivatives may contribute:

• Emulsification

• Foam stabilization

• Wetting

• Thickening

• Detergency

• Oil-and-water compatibility

DEA is generally a chemical intermediate in these applications rather than the complete finished surfactant.

Personal-care and consumer-product uses require destination-specific regulatory review because DEA and residual DEA are restricted or treated differently across jurisdictions.

Metalworking Fluids

DEA may be used in metalworking formulations as:

• A neutralizing component

• An alkalinity source

• A corrosion-control component

• An emulsification aid

• A chemical intermediate

Formulators must evaluate compatibility with base oils, water hardness, metals, biocides and other additives.

Because DEA is a secondary amine, its combination with nitrites or other nitrosating agents requires particular attention to nitrosamine formation.

Cement and Construction Chemicals

DEA can be used as an intermediate or functional component in selected cement-grinding aids, concrete admixtures and construction-chemical systems.

Possible formulation functions include:

• Neutralization

• Grinding-aid contribution

• Process assistance

• Interaction with other organic additives

• Support for cement-performance modification

Results depend on cement chemistry, dosage and the complete additive formulation. Laboratory and plant trials are required.

Agricultural Chemical Intermediates

DEA is used in the manufacture of selected agrochemical salts, intermediates and formulations.

Use in a pesticide or agricultural formulation requires compliance with the applicable product registration and destination-country regulations. Standard industrial DEA should not automatically be described as an approved pesticide ingredient.

Urethane, Resin and Polymer Chemistry

Because it contains one secondary amine and two hydroxyl groups, DEA can participate in selected resin, coating, urethane and polymer-intermediate reactions.

It may function as:

• A reactive intermediate

• A chain-modifying component

• A neutralizing agent

• A catalyst precursor

• A building block for specialty additives

Reaction rate, stoichiometry and final polymer properties should be established experimentally.

Textile, Leather and Industrial Processing Chemicals

DEA and DEA-derived intermediates are also used in selected:

• Textile auxiliaries

• Leather-processing chemicals

• Dye and pigment systems

• Industrial cleaners

• Lubricant additives

• Corrosion-inhibitor packages

• Specialty emulsifiers

The role of DEA differs among formulations, so application suitability must be confirmed by the formulator.

DEA vs MEA vs TEA vs MDEA

The abbreviations for ethanolamines are easily confused. These chemicals are not direct substitutes.

Differences in amine structure affect:

• Reaction rate

• Acid-gas selectivity

• Neutralization capacity

• Regeneration energy

• Water content

• Viscosity

• Corrosion behavior

• Derivative chemistry

• Nitrosation potential

Selection should be based on the complete process rather than product price alone.

How Should Buyers Select a Diethanolamine Grade?

1. Confirm the Required Assay

A higher DEA assay provides more active material and generally reduces the quantity of MEA, TEA and water entering the process.

The necessary purity depends on whether DEA is used in gas treatment, synthesis or a formulated industrial product.

2. Set Individual MEA and TEA Limits

A combined MEA-plus-TEA limit may be adequate for general applications, but sensitive synthesis processes may require separate maximum limits.

MEA is more reactive than DEA, while TEA has different neutralization and reaction behavior. Their effects should be considered independently where necessary.

3. Define the Water Limit

Water affects:

• Active DEA concentration

• Reaction stoichiometry

• Freezing behavior

• Shipping efficiency

• Formulation solids

• Gas-treatment solution preparation

A lower water limit is not always better. Low-freeze grades intentionally contain more water to improve cold-temperature handling.

4. Specify Color

Color may matter in light-colored surfactants, coatings, resins and other appearance-sensitive products.

Buyers should define the test method and maximum APHA or Pt-Co value rather than requesting only “colorless material.”

5. Consider Storage Temperature

High-purity DEA can solidify in ordinary warehouse conditions. Buyers should confirm that storage tanks, transfer lines, pumps and sampling procedures can accommodate its freezing behavior.

6. Review Application-Specific Impurities

Depending on the application, additional controls may include:

• Iron

• Chloride

• Residue

• Carbonyl impurities

• Residual solvents

• Nitrosamines

• Other ethanolamines

Additional analytical testing should be agreed before shipment.

Why Must Nitrosamine Risk Be Assessed?

DEA is a secondary amine. Under suitable conditions, secondary amines can react with nitrosating agents to form N-nitrosamines, including N-nitrosodiethanolamine, commonly abbreviated as NDELA.

Potential nitrosating sources may include:

• Nitrite salts

• Nitrosating preservatives

• Nitrogen oxides

• Contaminated raw materials

• Certain process streams

• Cross-contamination

• Inappropriate storage or formulation combinations

Risk reduction may involve:

• Avoiding unnecessary nitrite–DEA combinations

• Reviewing every formulation ingredient

• Controlling raw-material impurities

• Preventing cross-contamination

• Applying suitable manufacturing controls

• Testing for relevant nitrosamines where required

• Reviewing destination-market regulations

A standard assay result for DEA does not establish that a final formulation is free from nitrosamines.

Formulators in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, metalworking fluids and other sensitive applications should complete an application-specific nitrosamine risk assessment.

Can Diethanolamine Be Used in Cosmetics?

DEA should not be presented as universally suitable for cosmetics.

Regulatory treatment varies by country. In some jurisdictions, including the European Union, direct use of secondary alkanolamines such as DEA in finished cosmetic products is prohibited or restricted. Related ingredients may also be subject to residual-DEA and nitrosamine controls.

The United States and other markets may apply different requirements, but manufacturers remain responsible for product safety and regulatory compliance.

Before considering any personal-care application, confirm:

• Destination country

• Current cosmetic regulations

• Intended concentration and function

• Residual DEA limit

• Nitrosamine risk

• Finished-product safety assessment

• Required supplier documentation

AOZUN industrial-grade DEA should not automatically be described as cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical or personal-care grade.

How to Qualify a New DEA Supplier

Step 1: Compare Specifications

Review assay, MEA, TEA, water, color and any application-sensitive impurities.

Step 2: Confirm Test Methods

Check whether assay is determined by gas chromatography, titration or another method. Results produced by different methods may not be directly equivalent.

Step 3: Test Physical Handling

Evaluate product state, melting behavior, pumping, transfer and sampling under the expected storage temperatures.

Step 4: Run Application Trials

Compare the new material with the approved reference batch in the actual formulation or process.

Depending on the application, evaluate:

• Reaction conversion

• Neutralization demand

• Product color

• Viscosity

• Emulsion stability

• Corrosion behavior

• Gas absorption and regeneration

• Filtration

• Finished-product stability

Step 5: Review Regulatory Documents

Confirm that the documentation covers the importing entity, destination country, grade, supply chain and intended application.

Step 6: Approve Multiple Batches

Where batch consistency is important, evaluate more than one production lot before full commercial approval.

Packaging and Supply Options

DEA may be supplied in:

• Steel drums

• Compatible lined drums

• Intermediate bulk containers

• Isotanks or bulk quantities, subject to availability

Exact net weight, container material and bulk availability should be confirmed in the quotation.

Packaging must be suitable for an alkaline, hygroscopic material and for the expected storage and transportation temperatures.

Storage and Handling

Store DEA:

• In tightly closed compatible containers

• In a cool, dry and well-ventilated area

• Away from strong acids

• Away from strong oxidizing agents

• Away from nitrites and other nitrosating agents

• Protected from moisture and unnecessary air exposure

• Under the conditions specified in the current AOZUN SDS

DEA can absorb water and carbon dioxide from the air. Keep containers closed when the material is not being transferred.

If the material solidifies, use a controlled heating system approved for the container and installation. Avoid open flames, localized overheating and unapproved heating equipment.

Storage tanks, pumps, seals, gaskets and transfer lines should be selected after a materials-compatibility review.

Safe Handling

DEA is an industrial hazardous chemical. Depending on jurisdiction and grade, applicable hazards may include:

• Harmful effects if swallowed

• Skin irritation

• Serious eye damage

• Potential adverse effects from repeated exposure

• Environmental hazards under certain classification systems

Recommended workplace controls include:

• Chemical-resistant gloves

• Protective clothing

• Chemical splash goggles

• Face protection where splashing is possible

• Suitable ventilation

• Closed transfer where practical

• Emergency eyewash and safety-shower access

• Worker training

• Spill and waste-management procedures

Avoid breathing mist or aerosol. Do not eat, drink or smoke in handling areas.

Always consult the current country-specific AOZUN SDS. This product page is not a substitute for the Safety Data Sheet.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

Before purchasing DEA, confirm:

• Destination-country chemical registration

• REACH coverage where applicable

• Local inventory status

• Workplace exposure requirements

• Intended-use restrictions

• Cosmetic or consumer-product restrictions

• Nitrosamine controls

• Transportation requirements

• Waste and discharge obligations

A substance-level registration does not automatically cover every importer, supply chain, annual tonnage or end use.

What Documents Should a DEA Supplier Provide?

Depending on the order and destination, buyers may request:

• Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Technical Data Sheet

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Country-of-origin document

• Transport documentation

• Regulatory or inventory statement

• REACH-related information where applicable

• Manufacturing or supply-chain statement

• Nitrosamine statement or test data, if available and required

• Additional impurity information for qualified applications

Document availability and scope should be confirmed before placing the order.

Information Required for an Accurate Quotation

Please provide:

• Product name and CAS number

• Required DEA assay

• Maximum MEA and TEA limits

• Maximum water content

• Required color limit

• Required grade or dilution

• Intended application

• Required quantity

• Estimated annual consumption

• Packaging preference

• Destination port or delivery address

• Required Incoterm

• Regulatory and documentation requirements

• Sample requirement

Frequently Asked Questions About Diethanolamine

What is diethanolamine?

Diethanolamine is a secondary alkanolamine containing one amine group and two hydroxyl groups. Its CAS number is 111-42-2 and its molecular formula is C4H11NO2.

What is DEA mainly used for?

DEA is mainly used in gas treating, surfactant and emulsifier production, metalworking formulations, cement additives, agrochemical intermediates and industrial chemical synthesis.

Is DEA a liquid or solid?

It can be either. Pure DEA solidifies at approximately 28°C, so its physical state depends on storage temperature, purity and water content.

Does crystallized DEA mean the product is defective?

No. Crystallization can be a normal physical change when high-purity DEA is stored below its freezing point. Controlled warming may return it to a liquid state.

What is the difference between DEA 99 and DEA 90?

DEA 99 contains approximately 99% or more diethanolamine and relatively little water. DEA 90 generally contains about 90% DEA and approximately 10% water to improve low-temperature handling.

Is DEA soluble in water?

Yes. Diethanolamine is completely miscible with water.

Is DEA the same as MDEA?

No. DEA is diethanolamine, a secondary amine with CAS number 111-42-2. MDEA is methyldiethanolamine, a tertiary amine with CAS number 105-59-9.

Can DEA remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide?

DEA is used in engineered aqueous amine systems for the bulk removal of CO2 and H2S. Its suitability depends on the complete gas composition and process design.

Can DEA form nitrosamines?

DEA can form nitrosamines when it is exposed to suitable nitrosating agents. Formulators should avoid incompatible nitrite combinations and complete an application-specific risk assessment.

Is industrial DEA suitable for cosmetics?

Not automatically. Direct DEA use is prohibited or restricted in certain cosmetic markets, and related ingredients may be subject to residual-DEA and nitrosamine limits.

What purity does AOZUN supply?

AOZUN’s current standard industrial specification lists a minimum DEA content of 99.0%. The final contractual specification and batch COA should be confirmed before ordering.

How should DEA be stored?

Store it in tightly closed compatible containers in a dry, ventilated location, away from acids, oxidizers, nitrites and other nitrosating materials. Consider controlled heating if local temperatures may cause solidification.

Can AOZUN provide a sample and COA?

Sample and document availability can be confirmed according to quantity, destination and intended application. Provide your required specification when submitting an inquiry.

Request a Diethanolamine Sample or Quotation

AOZUN supplies industrial-grade diethanolamine, CAS 111-42-2, for gas treatment, surfactant manufacturing, metalworking, construction chemicals and industrial synthesis.

Contact AOZUN with your required purity, water limit, application, quantity, packaging and delivery destination. Our team will confirm the available grade, batch documentation, sample availability and commercial terms.