Monoethanolamine (MEA) Product Description

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a versatile amine-based chemical widely used in industrial processes, gas treatment, and chemical manufacturing. With molecular formula C₂H₇NO and CAS number 141-43-5, MEA is a clear, hygroscopic liquid with a mild ammonia-like odor, fully miscible with water and many organic solvents.

MEA is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia, resulting in high-purity monoethanolamine suitable for applications in gas sweetening, surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, and agricultural chemicals. Its combination of basicity, solubility, and reactivity makes it an essential ingredient in chemical formulations and industrial operations.

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Physical and Chemical Properties of Monoethanolamine

Key properties of MEA include:

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

• Odor: Mild ammonia-like

• Density (20°C): 1.01 g/cm³

• Boiling Point: 170–172°C

• Freezing Point: 10°C

• Viscosity (20°C): 23 mPa·s

• Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, and polar organic solvents

• pH (10% solution): ~11–12

• Flash Point: 61°C (closed cup)

• Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions; reacts with strong acids and oxidizers

These properties make MEA suitable for industrial gas treatment, chemical synthesis, and surfactant production, ensuring efficient and predictable results.

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Applications and Uses of Monoethanolamine

Monoethanolamine is a highly versatile amine with multiple industrial applications:

• Gas Sweetening: MEA removes carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and refinery streams, improving gas quality, preventing corrosion, and ensuring safe transport. For broader solutions in gas treatment, see our Triethylene Glycol (TEG) page.

• Surfactants and Detergents: Reacts with fatty acids to produce amine-based surfactants for detergents, shampoos, and cleaning agents, enhancing foaming, emulsification, and cleaning efficiency. You can also explore Diethylene Glycol (DEG) for related solvent applications.

• Corrosion Inhibitors: Incorporated into industrial water treatment and oilfield chemicals to prevent corrosion in boilers, pipelines, and storage tanks.

• Chemical Intermediates: Used in the production of ethanolamines, chelating agents, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals, providing a reactive building block for chemical synthesis.

• Agricultural Chemicals: Serves as a neutralizing and reactive agent in herbicides, pesticides, and foliar sprays, improving stability and effectiveness.

• Solvents: Function as a polar solvent in coatings, dyes, resins, and inks, aiding viscosity control, solubility, and chemical reactions.

MEA is a critical industrial chemical that enhances product quality, operational efficiency, and process reliability.

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Handling, Storage, and Transportation of Monoethanolamine

Safe handling and storage are essential due to MEA’s corrosive and toxic nature:

• Handling Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Work in well-ventilated areas. Avoid ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Wash thoroughly after exposure.

• Storage Recommendations: Store in sealed, corrosion-resistant containers in cool (15–25°C), dry, ventilated spaces. Keep away from oxidizers, acids, and heat sources.

• Transportation Protocols: Classified as corrosive (UN 3265). Transport in clean, sealed tanks or drums, secured against leaks and vibrations. Comply with international chemical transportation regulations.

These procedures maintain safety, product integrity, and uninterrupted supply.

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Packing Details and Container Loading for Monoethanolamine

MEA can be supplied in bulk, intermediate, or smaller-scale packaging:

• Bulk Shipments: ISO tank containers or seagoing vessels carrying 20–23 tons per 20-foot container, with optional heating for viscosity management.

• Intermediate Volumes: Road tankers or 1,000 L IBCs (20 units per 20-foot container, ~20 tons).

• Smaller/Custom Solutions: 200–220 kg HDPE or steel drums (80–90 units per 20-foot container, ~17–19.8 tons) for regional or trial deliveries.

Proper packing ensures stability, compliance, and cost-effective logistics.

Technical Data Sheet of Monoethanolamine (MEA)