Ethanolamine

Ethanolamine is used as an absorption agent to remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and other gases, as a softening agent for hides, and as a dispersing agent for agricultural chemicals. Ethanolamine is also used in polishes, hair waving solutions, emulsifiers, and in the synthesis of surface-active agents (Beyer et al 1983; Mullins 1978; Windholz 1983). Ethanolamine is permitted in articles intended for use in the production, processing, or packaging of food (CFR 1981).Ethanolamine undergoes reactions characteristic of primary amines and of alcohols. Two industrially important reactions of ethanolamine involve reaction with carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide to yield water soluble salts, and reaction with long chain fatty acids to form neutral ethanolamine soaps (Mullins 1978). Substituted ethanolamine compounds, such as soaps, are used extensively as emulsifiers, thickeners, wetting agents, and detergents in cosmetic formulations (including skin cleaners, creams, and lotions) (Beyer et al 1983).
Monoethanolamine is a clear, colorless or pale yellow-colored, moderately viscous liquid with a mild, ammoniacal odor. Ethanolamines can be detected by odor as low as 2-3 ppm.