Product Notes

If RXH is not acid enough to release a proton at alkaline pH, as it is the case with amines, then the reaction has to be carried out in two steps. During the first step the first EO mole is added at acid pH, so that the amine is transformed in ammonium. The reaction produce the mono-, di- and tri-ethanol amines. 

Proton release from ammonium NH4+ → NH3 + H+ (here RX- is NH3) Then, the three condensation reactions: 

NH3 + EO → NH2CH2CH2OH (mono-ethanol amine MEA) 
NH2CH2CH2OH + EO → NH(CH2CH2OH)2 (di-ethanol amine DEA) 
NH-(CH2CH2OH)2 + EO → N(CH2CH2OH)3 (tri-ethanol amine TEA) 

With an alkyl amine, first the alkyl ammoniumion is formed and it is deprotonated: 

RNH3+ → RNH2 + H+ (here RX- is RNH2)
RNH2 + EO → RNH-CH2CH2OH (mono-ethanol alkyl amine) 
RNH-CH2CH2OH + EO → RN(CH2CH2OH)2 (di-ethanol alkyl amine) 

Once the ethanol amine is attained, the EO polycondensation is carried out at alkaline pH as previously. In many instance the first ethoxylation is stopped when the monoethanol alkyl amine is formed in order to avoid the polycondensation in more than one chain. 

Future & Benefit :

Detergents :
• MEA imparts a reserve alkalinity to the laundry bath, which is essential to efficient cleaning.
• MEA is an effective oil and anti-redeposition agent.

Personal Care :
• Fatty acids neutralized with MEA are used as emulsifiers for oil-in water emulsions such as gel-type industrial hand cleaners, aerosol shave creams, and hand and body lotions.

Textile Finishing :
• MEA is used as reaction intermediates for the preparation of durable press fabric finishes and softeners.
• When reacted to form amine soaps, useful as scouring agents for wool and silk because of its low alkalinity.
• Because it is hygroscopic, MEA is used in the preparation of vat printing pastes.

Wood Treating :
• MEA is used in both alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) and copper azole formulations for treating wood to improve its resistance to pests and decay. Both are arsenic-free alternatives to the phased-out CCA formulations.

TOXICITY AND SAFETY :

For information on the toxicity and safe handling of this product, please read the Material Safety Data Sheet prior to use of the product.

HANDLING AND STORAGE :

Monoethanolamine may be satisfactorily stored in carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum tanks using steel pipes and pumps. Caution must be exercised, however, to keep the material in the anhydrous state to prevent severe corrosion to the carbon steel or aluminum tank and related equipment. A drier on the breathing nozzle is recommended to help maintain anhydrous conditions in the storage tank. For longer term color stability, it is recommended that the product be stored under an inert atmosphere. Solid sediment may form upon standing. There should be circulation in the storage vessel to keep solids suspended. Low pressure steam coils in storage tanks and heat tracing of transfer lines should be provided in cases where low environmental temperatures may make pumping of the product difficult.

SHIPPING DATA:

Product is available in tank cars, tank wagons and drums. Small samples are available by contacting our sample department at + 91 22 6511 5555.

BIODEGRADABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY:

Monoethanolamine undergoes moderate biodegradation and is not expected to be persistent in the environment.