Methyl Monoethanolamine

I. Chemical and Industrial Fields

1. Gas Treatment (Desulfurization and Decarburization)
   As an amine absorbent, it is used in the petroleum and natural gas industries to remove acidic gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) (e.g., in improved hot potassium carbonate processes).
   Principle: It combines with acidic gases through chemical reactions and can be recycled after regeneration, serving as a key process material in oil refineries and natural gas purification.
2. Synthesis of Surfactants
   It is used to produce anionic, cationic, and non - ionic surfactants. For example:

• Alkylolamides (such as 6501, 6502)：Widely used in detergents and daily chemical products (such as shampoo and laundry liquid) to enhance foam stability and detergency.

• Textile auxiliaries：As raw materials for softeners and antistatic agents to improve the hand feeling and processing performance of fibers.

3. Metal Working Fluids
   It is used to formulate water - based cutting fluids and grinding fluids. By neutralizing acidic substances in mineral oils, it improves lubricity and anti - rust ability, and at the same time acts as an emulsifier to stabilize the oil - water system.

II. Pharmaceutical and Daily Chemical Fields

1. Pharmaceutical Intermediates
   It is used to synthesize local anesthetics (such as procaine), antitussives (such as diethanolamine salts), and drug corrosion inhibitors.
   In cosmetics, it is used as a pH regulator and emulsifier, often used in creams and lotions to stabilize the formula system.
2. Personal Care Products
   As a neutralizing agent, it adjusts the pH of skin care products (such as facial cleansers and hair dyes) to avoid skin irritation.
   In depilatories, it is used in combination with thioglycolic acid to enhance hair dissolution effect.

III. Textile and Leather Industries

1. Textile Dyeing and Printing
   As a dyeing assistant and leveling agent, it improves the adsorption uniformity of dyes on fibers, especially suitable for reactive dyeing processes.
   It neutralizes residual acidic substances in the dyeing and printing process to prevent fabric embrittlement.
2. Leather Processing
   It is used as a leather softener and tanning aid to adjust the pH of the tanning solution, promote the penetration of tanning agents, and improve the softness and water resistance of leather.

IV. Other Applications

1. Coatings and Inks
   As a neutralizing agent and dispersant, it adjusts the pH of water - based coatings to improve pigment dispersibility and film leveling.
   In inks, it prevents the precipitation of resin acids and enhances printing adaptability.
2. Polyurethane Industry
   As a chain extender or catalyst, it participates in the synthesis of polyurethane foams and elastomers, affecting the hardness and mechanical properties of products.
3. Agricultural Chemicals
   It is used to produce pesticide emulsifiers and plant growth regulators to improve the water solubility and leaf adhesion of pesticides.

Safety and Regulatory Notes

• Toxicity and Protection：Diethanolamine is moderately irritating. Long - term contact may damage the skin and mucous membranes. Protective equipment (such as gloves and goggles) must be worn during operation.

• Regulatory Restrictions：In some countries (such as the EU), due to the potential reaction of DEA with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines, its use concentration in cosmetics is strictly regulated (e.g., the EU Cosmetics Regulation EC No 1223/2009 restricts its content to ≤5%).