Diethanolamine and triethanolamine are not the same; they differ significantly in chemical structure, properties, and uses.
Structural Differences
Diethanolamine (DEA), also known as dihydroisopropylamine, is a diethanolamine with the chemical formula C4H11NO2 and a molecular weight of 105.14. Its molecule contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH) and one amino group (-NH2), and it is a condensation compound of aminoethanol and ethylene glycol.
Triethanolamine (TEA), on the other hand, is a triethanolamine with the chemical formula C6H15NO3 and a molecular weight of 149.19. Its molecule contains three hydroxyl groups and one amino group, and it is a condensation compound of aminoethanol and ethylene glycol.
Chemical Property Differences
Due to their structural differences, diethanolamine and triethanolamine also have significantly different chemical properties. Diethanolamine is a weak base and can react with acids to form salts; in the presence of copper, it can be oxidized by air to form highly toxic nitrosamine compounds. Triethanolamine, however, is a moderately strong base and can be neutralized by strong acids to form salts. Meanwhile, triethanolamine has strong hydroxyl properties and can be reduced by strong acids and alkalis.
Differences in Applications
Due to their different chemical properties, diethanolamine and triethanolamine have different applications. Diethanolamine is mainly used in the production of asphalt emulsifiers, antifreeze, and plastic softeners; it also has wide applications in the petroleum, gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Triethanolamine, on the other hand, is mainly used in the synthesis of surfactants, softeners, preservatives, and other chemicals, and is also widely used in paints, inks, plastics, rubber, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
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Related Chemical Products from Gneebio
Bulk Industrial buyers often purchase diethanolamine (CAS 111-42-2) together with other solvents and intermediates.
Here are the most popular products:
| Product Name | CAS |
|---|---|
| para xylene | 106-42-3 |
| Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) | 80-62-6 |
| 2-Methoxyethanol | 109-86-4 |
| Propionic Acid | 79-09-4 |
| Ethylene Glycol (Meg) | 107-21-1 |
| N, N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAC) | 127-19-5 |
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