Mono Ethanol Amine

Brief Overview

Mono ethanol amine, also known as 2-aminoethanol or ethanolamine, is an organic compound that is both a primary amine and primary alcohol. It appears to be a clear, viscous, organic liquid that produces a mild ammonia-like odour, derived from ethylene oxide and ammonia. Mono ethanol amine, have low volatility at room temperature, it is hygroscopic and it can appear in either solid or liquid form depending on the temperature and the purity. Mono ethanol amine has the lowest flash point among Ethanol amines.

Manufacturing Process

Mono ethanol amine produced from the reaction between ammonia and ethylene oxide. The reaction diethanolamine and triethanolamine is produced as side products. The ratio of the products can be carefully controlled by changing the stoichiometry of the reactants.

Pharmaceutical Industry

In pharmaceutical formulations, mono ethanol amine is primarily used for buffering or preparation of emulsions.

Chemical Industry                                  

Mono ethanol amine is used as feedstock in the production of emulsifiers, polishes, corrosion inhibitors, chemical intermediates.

Gas Purification

Aqueous solution of mono ethanol amine is used as gas stream scrubbing liquid. As scrubbing agent, mono ethanol amine absorbs and removes H₂S and CO₂ from the refinery, natural gas streams, carbon dioxide and ammonia manufacturing.

Other Applications

Mono ethanol amine is used as a component in detergent formulations for laundry and dishwashing, degreasers, multiple use detergents and disinfectants. It can also be used as neutralizer agent in formulations of car wash shampoos, degreasers in general and wax removers and as corrosion inhibitors.