Diethanolamine


 * Diethanolamine **, often abbreviated as ** DEA ** , is an [|organic compound] with the formula HN(CH 2 CH 2 OH) 2 . This colorless liquid is polyfunctional, being a secondary [|amine] and a [|diol] . Like other organic amines, diethanolamine acts as a [|weak base] . Reflecting the hydrophilic character of the alcohol groups, DEA is soluble in water, and is even [|hygroscopic] . Amides prepared from DEA are often also hydrophilic.

The reaction of [|ethylene oxide] with aqueous [|ammonia] first produces [|ethanolamine] :

C2H4O + NH3 → H2NCH2CH2OH which reacts with a second and third equivalent of ethylene oxide to give DEA and [|triethanolamine] :

C2H4O + H2NCH2CH2OH → HN(CH2CH2OH)2C2H4O + HN(CH2CH2OH)2 → N(CH2CH2OH)3 About 300M kg are produced annually in this way.The ratio of the products can be controlled by changing the [|stoichiometry] of the reactants.

DEA is used as a surfactant and a [|corrosion inhibitor]. It is used to remove [|hydrogen sulfide] and [|carbon dioxide] from natural gas.

In oil refineries, a DEA in water solution is commonly used to remove [|hydrogen sulfide] from various process gases. It has an advantage over a similar amine [|ethanolamine] in that a higher concentration may be used for the same corrosion potential. This allows refiners to scrub [|hydrogen sulfide] at a lower circulating amine rate with less overall energy usage.

DEA is a versatile chemical intermediate, principal derivatives include [|ethyleneimine] and [|ethylenediamine]. [|[1]] Dehydration of DEA with [|sulfuric acid] gives [|morpholine] :

Amides derived from DEA and [|fatty acids], known as [|diethanolamides] , are [|amphiphilic].