Ethanolamine, also known as 2-hydroxyethylamine, is a colorless, transparent, viscous liquid. At room temperature, it exhibits hygroscopic properties and an ammonia-like odor. It is readily miscible with water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone, but only slightly soluble in benzene, diethyl ether, and carbon tetrachloride.
What are the chemical and physical properties of ethanolamine?
ethanolamine physical properties
Ethanolamine is a colorless, transparent liquid at room temperature, exhibiting hygroscopic and flammable properties. It possesses moderate volatility and slowly evaporates in air. Ethanolamine has a boiling point of 170°C, a density of 1.017 g/cm³, and is readily soluble in water.
| Item | Description / Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ethanolamine |
| Other Name | Monoethanolamine (MEA) |
| Chemical Formula | C₂H₇NO |
| CAS Number | 141-43-5 |
| Molecular Weight | 61.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid |
| Odor | Ammonia-like |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.011–1.019 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~10.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~170 °C |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | ~93 °C |
| Refractive Index (20 °C) | ~1.454 |
| Viscosity | High (viscous liquid) |
| Solubility in Water | Completely miscible |
| Solubility in Solvents | Miscible with alcohols; insoluble in non-polar solvents |
| Hygroscopicity | Strong; absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air |
ethanolamine chemical properties
The chemical properties of ethanolamine are primarily determined by the hydroxyl (-OH) and amino (-NH₂) groups in its molecule, exhibiting the following characteristics:
- Basicity and Salt Formation: The amino group confers basicity (pKb ≈ 4.5), enabling formation of stable salts with inorganic acids (e.g., HCl) such as HOCH₂CH₂NH₃⁺Cl⁻, and reaction with CO₂ to produce carbonates.
- Nucleophilic reactions: The amino group acts as a nucleophile, readily reacting with acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides to form amides. The hydroxyl group participates in esterification or etherification reactions, such as forming surfactants with fatty acids.
- Amphoterism and Coordination Ability: The lone pairs on the amino and hydroxyl groups enable coordination with metal ions like Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ to form complexes used in industrial gas desulfurization.
- Condensation and Polymerization: Reacts with ethylene oxide to produce polyetheramines, or undergoes self-condensation to form diethylamine and triethanolamine.
- Instability: At elevated temperatures, it may undergo dehydration to form ethyleneimine or oxidative degradation to aldehydes, acids, and other products. Avoid exposure to strong oxidizing agents.
Ethanolamine's multifaceted reactivity enables its widespread application in pharmaceuticals, detergents, and gas treatment. However, its hygroscopic and corrosive properties necessitate careful storage precautions.
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Bulk Industrial buyers often purchase Ethanolamine (CAS 141-43-5) together with other solvents and intermediates.
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