Uses of Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine similar to triethanolamine (T775580) is used as a surfactant. It also has the potential to be a corrosion inhibitor by means of chemisorption.

Definition of Diethanolamine

ChEBI: A member of the class of ethanolamines that is ethanolamine having an N-hydroxyethyl substituent.

Uses of Diethanolamine

To scrub gases as indicated under ethanolamine. Diethanolamine can be used with cracking gases and coal or oil gases which contain carbonyl sulfide that would react with monoethanolamine. As rubber chemicals intermediate. In the manufacture of surface active agents used in textile specialties, herbicides, petroleum demulsifiers. As emulsifier and dispersing agent in various agricultural chemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In the production of lubricants for the textile industry. As humectant and softening agent. In organic syntheses.

General Description of Diethanolamine

Oily colorless liquid or solid white crystals. Slight rotten fish or ammonia odor. Denser than water.

CAS NO 111-42-2

Diethanolamine is a colorless viscous liquid or crystal. It is alkaline and can absorb gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in the air.

1. Diethanolamine is mainly used as acid gas absorbent such as CO2, H2S and SO2, non-ionic surfactant, emulsifier, polishing agent, industrial gas purifier and lubricant. Iminodiethanol, also known as diethanolamine, is an intermediate for the herbicide glyphosate. As a gas scavenger, it is also used as a raw material for synthetic drugs and organic synthesis.

2. As a thickener foam improver in shampoos and light detergents, diethanolamine can be used as a softener in the production of synthetic fibers and leather. Diethanolamine first reacts with 70% sulfuric acid and is later dehydrocyclized to form morpholine (ie, 1,4-oxazane). Both morpholine and diethanolamine are intermediates for organic synthesis. For example, they can be used to produce certain optical bleaching agents in the textile industry. The fatty acid salts of morpholine can be used as preservatives. Morpholine can also be used to produce central inhibitory drugs, or used as a solvent. Diethanolamine is used analytically as a reagent and a gas chromatography fixative to selectively retain and separate alcohols, diols, amines, pyridine, quinoline, piperazine, mercaptans, thioethers, and water.

3. Diethanolamine is an important corrosion inhibitor and can be used as a corrosion inhibitor in boiler water treatment, automotive engine coolants, drilling and cutting oils, and other types of lubricants. It is also used as an absorbent for purifying acid gases in natural gas, as an emulsifier in various cosmetics and medicines, as lubricants in the textile industry, as wetting agents and softeners as well as other organic synthetic raw materials.

4. Diethanolamine can be used as an acid absorbent, plasticizer, softener, emulsifier, and the like in adhesives. It can also be used as an absorbent for acid gases (such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, etc.) in petroleum gas, natural gas, and other gases. It is a raw material for synthetic medicines, pesticides, dye intermediates and surfactants. It is used as an emulsifier for oils and waxes and a softener for leather and synthetic fibers under acidic conditions. It is used as a thickener and foam improver in shampoos and light detergents. In addition, it is used as a detergent, lubricant, brightener and an engine piston ash remover.

5. Diethanolamine is used as a complexing agent for silver plating, cadmium plating, lead plating, and galvanization.

6. Diethanolamine is used as an analytical reagent, an acid gas absorbent, or a softener and lubricant, and used for organic synthesis.