Monoethanolamine

Monoethanolamine is obtained from the reaction of Ethylene Oxide and Ammonia. This reaction also produces Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine, which are also products sold by HELM. Ethanolamines are chemical compounds belonging to the group of amines and alcohols. This results in their unique property of being able to react with both groups: in the form of alcohol, ethanolamines are hygroscopic and can react to form esters, whereas in the form of amines, they are slightly alkaline and react with acids to form salts and soaps. These properties form the basis for most applications of Monoethanolamine. For industrial applications, MEA is used either in pure form (concentration >99%) or as an aequeous solution of varying concentrations. HELM markets both the pure product and the full range of different concentrations.

Examples of applications

Fields of application for Monoethanolamine differ, depending on the region. Generally speaking, however, large quantities of it are used by the manufacturers themselves captively as feedstock for the production of ethylene amines. MEA – in the form of an aqueous solution – is frequently used as an absorbent in gas scrubbing (amine scrubbing). In addition, Monoethanolamine is an intermediate chemical product in the manufacture of timber preservatives as well as tensides for detergents and cleaning agents. It also finds application as an organic solvent in the dye and pulp industry. Other fields of application include lubricants, textiles, cosmetics and pharmaceutical ingredients.

Packaging

• Product is available in bulk