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ETHANOLAMINES

Monoethanolamine
Diethanolamine
Triethanolamine
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CONTENTS
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................2
Ethanolamine Applications.........................................................................................................3
Gas Sweetening ..................................................................................................................3
Detergents, Specialty Cleaners, Personal Care Products.......................................................4
Textiles.................................................................................................................................4
Metalworking ......................................................................................................................5
Other Applications...............................................................................................................5
Ethanolamine Physical Properties ...............................................................................................6
Typical Physical Properties ....................................................................................................6
Vapor Pressure of Ethanolamines (Figure 1).........................................................................7
Heat of Vaporization of Ethanolamines (Figure 2)................................................................7
Specific Heats of Ethanolamines (Figure 3) ..........................................................................8
Comparative Hygroscopicities of Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine (Figure 4) ...............8
Weight Percent Ethanolamine in Aqueous Solutions vs Normality of Solution (Figure 5).....9
pH of Ethanolamine Solutions (Figure 6) .............................................................................9
Partial Pressure of Ethanolamines in Aqueous Solutions at Various Temperatures
(Figure 7, 9, 11) ........................................................................................................10-12
Vapor-Liquid Equilibria of Aqueous Solutions at 760 mm Hg Absolute
(Figure 8, 10, 12) ......................................................................................................10-12
Absolute Viscosities of Aqueous Solutions (Figures 13-15) ................................................13
Freezing Points of Aqueous Ethanolamine Solutions (Figure 16)........................................14
Specific Gravity of Aqueous Ethanolamine Solutions (Figure 17) .......................................14
Weight per Gallon of Aqueous Solutions at Various Temperatures (Figures 18-20)......15-16
Specific Heats of Aqueous Solutions (Figures 21-23) .........................................................17
FDA and EPA Status............................................................................................................18-20
Storage and Handling ..............................................................................................................21
Shipping Information ...............................................................................................................22
Specifications ...........................................................................................................................22
Product Safety..........................................................................................................................22
Emergency Service ...................................................................................................................23

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ETHANOLAMINES
Dow’s versatile family of ethanolamines — including monoethanolamine (MEA),
diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) — offers a broad spectrum of application
opportunities. Triethanolamine is available as TEA, 99% and TEA, Commercial (which contains
nominally 15% diethanolamine). Because ethanolamines combine the properties of amines
and alcohols, they exhibit the unique capability of undergoing reactions common to both
groups. As amines, they are mildly alkaline and react with acids to form salts or soaps. As
alcohols, they are hygroscopic and can be esterified. The chemical structures of the
ethanolamines are:

MEA H NCH CH OH
2 2 2

Monoethanolamine DEA HN(CH CH OH) 2 2 2

TEA N(CH CH OH) 2 2 3

Ethanolamines find uses in such diverse areas as gas sweetening, where they serve as lubri-
Diethanolamine cants and scouring agents; detergent and specialty cleaner formulations, in which they are
used to form various amine salts and to control pH; and in a host of other applications
including concrete admixtures, flexible urethane foam catalysts, pharmaceuticals, personal
care products, agricultural chemicals, photographic emulsions, and more.
Triethanolamine
TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP
Ethanolamines from Dow are backed by approximately 80 years of innovative scientific
research. Since their introduction in the late 1920s, MEA, DEA, and TEA have undergone
extensive commercial development in our laboratories at South Charleston, WV.

WORLD SCALE PRODUCTION CAPACITY

Backed by the world’s largest ethylene oxide capacity, Dow’s efficient ethanolamines
facilities, located at Seadrift, TX, are the world’s largest. Designed for flexibility, this plant is
capable of producing ethanolamines to meet the most demanding specifications of the
marketplace.
An additional major ethanolamines plant was added in 1997 at Taft, LA. A smaller plant, at
Wilton, UK, serves the European market. Additional plants will be added to meet other
developing worldwide markets.
Dow’s position as the leading producer of basic ethylene oxide and ethanolamines translates
into dependability, not only as a source of supply, but in quality of product as well. The purity
and consistency of Dow’s ethanolamines are unsurpassed.

BROADEST DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

The Dow network of sales personnel, technical service experts, bulk storage terminals, and
distributors has been carefully constructed to reach all of Dow’s customers worldwide. Problem
solving assistance is virtually a phone call away, and Dow’s vast distribution system assures
fast delivery of tanker, barge, tank truck, tank car, or drum quantities from strategically
located bulk terminals and warehouses.
Whatever your needs in ethanolamines — MEA, DEA, or TEA — Dow has the technical,
production, and distribution resources to serve you best. This booklet has been designed to
provide the answers to most questions about Dow’s ethanolamine products. For further
information contact your Dow representative.

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Ethanolamine Applications
TEA,
Typical Applications MEA DEA Commercial TEA, 99%

Adhesives ✗
Agricultural Chemicals ✗ ✗

Cement Grinding Aids ✗ ✗

Concrete Additives ✗

Detergents, Specialty Cleaners

Personal Care Products ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗

Gas Treating ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Metalworking ✗ ✗ ✗

Oil Well Chemicals ✗ ✗ ✗

Packaging & Printing Inks ✗

Photographic Chemicals ✗ ✗
Rubber ✗

Textile Finishing ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Urethane Foams ✗ ✗ ✗

ETHANOLAMINES FOR GAS SWEETENING

Aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine and diethanolamine react with carbon
dioxide and hydrogen sulfide at ambient temperature to form compounds that,
when exposed to elevated temperatures, release the acid gas and regenerate the
amine for reuse.
Monoethanolamine is commonly used for treating synthesis gas streams formed
in ammonia, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and flue gas facilities. Carbon dioxide
is the principal contaminant that is removed.
Diethanolamine is primarily used for treating natural and refinery gas and for
liquid streams. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are the principal contaminants removed.
Engineering companies can provide individually designed plants or standard packaged units
that can be installed wherever it is necessary to remove carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen
sulfide from gas streams.
For natural gas systems and refinery-treating systems in sulfur service, diethanolamine solutions
have performed satisfactorily for years in units where carbon steel has been the major material of
construction. In improperly designed or improperly operated units, however, corrosion will occur
in carbon steel exchangers, condensers, and reboiler-type bundles. In special situations, therefore,
alloy materials of construction may be required. In addition, improved design and operating
criteria may be specified, including activated carbon filtration and good inlet separation.

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ETHANOLAMINES FOR DETERGENTS,

SPECIALTY CLEANERS, AND
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
Ethanolamines are used in heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents because they
provide a unique combination of beneficial property and performance qualities.
These ethanolamines impart a reserve alkalinity to the laundry bath, which is
essential to efficient cleaning. They neutralize the fatty acids present in the oily
soil components and, through this neutralization, convert them to amine soaps.
These soaps, in turn, aid in the overall cleaning process. The effect is readily
observed when standard industrial oily soils are used.
These same ethanolamines are also effective soil anti-redeposition agents. They help to keep soil
in the laundry bath from redepositing onto the fabric during the cleaning process. The effect is
evident in the performance of nonionic, anionic, and mixed nonionic/anionic surfactant-based
products on cotton, blended cotton/polyester, and polyester fabrics.
Diethanolamine is used to prepare fatty acid amides, which may be used in various personal
care products.
Triethanolamine may be reacted with lauryl sulfate to form the foaming base surfactant used
in hair shampoos.
Fatty acids neutralized with ethanolamines, particularly triethanolamine, are excellent emulsifiers
for oil-in-water emulsions. Gel-type industrial hand cleaners, aerosol shave creams, and hand and
body lotions are only a few of the consumer products commonly formulated with such soaps.
Triethanolamine is also used as the base component in the production of certain mild bar soaps.

ETHANOLAMINES FOR TEXTILES

Ethanolamines are used in textile processing as reaction intermediates for the
preparation of durable press fabric finishes and softeners.
Amine soaps are used as scouring agents for wool and silk because of their
low alkalinity.
Ethanolamines are also used as dye auxiliaries. Because of their hygroscopicity,
ethanolamines find application in the preparation of vat printing pastes.
Diethanolamine and triethanolamine are used in making acetate rayon dyes.
Textile lubricants often incorporate salts of ethanolamines to benefit from their
anticorrosion and antistatic properties. Ethanolamine salts of mono- or di-phosphates,
sulfonates, and sulfates are typical components of staple finishes.

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ETHANOLAMINES FOR METALWORKING

Acidic additives and/or acidic decomposition products are the prime contributors
to corrosion of metal surfaces, particularly in the presence of moisture.
Ethanolamines are often used as neutralizers of acid components in lubricants
and are a time-tested means of preventing corrosion.
In water-soluble cutting and grinding fluids, ethanolamines are used to provide
the alkalinity needed to protect against rusting (ferrous metals do not oxidize
under alkaline conditions). Ethanolamines are also used as intermediates in the
preparation of water-soluble lubricants, emulsifiers, proprietary corrosion
inhibitors, and biocides.

OTHER ETHANOLAMINE APPLICATIONS

In addition to supplying ethanolamines for the four major applications already
discussed, Dow provides these versatile materials for a variety of other uses
(See Applications Chart, page 3).
Diethanolamine and triethanolamine are used as catalysts that promote stability
during the reaction process in the manufacture of flexible and rigid urethane
foams. In the photographic chemical industry, these ethanolamines find applica-
tion in complex modern developing systems. Salts of diethanolamine and
triethanolamine are used in the agricultural chemical field as intermediates in a
number of applications, most notably the manufacture of herbicides.
Triethanolamine finds use as an intermediate for additives that control the rate at which water
evaporates from drying concrete. In another application, triethanolamine is used as a compo-
nent in the formulation of cement grinding media during the manufacture of cement. In still
another important use, triethanolamine is utilized “down hole” in oil wells to prevent corrosion
of drilling equipment.
Triethanolamine also functions as an intermediate for adhesive and rubber chemicals. Mono-
ethanolamine is used as a pH control agent in the formulation of packaging and printing inks.
Triethanolamine (Trolamine 85% NF Grade, Trolamine 99% NF Grade), and Monoethanolamine
NF Grade each meet the requirements of the applicable National Formulary monograph.

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Typical Physical Properties

The properties of Dow’s family of ethanolamines enable these versatile materials to be
utilized in a broad range of applications. Typical properties of the ethanolamines are shown
in the table below and in Figures 1-23.

Table 1 • Typical Properties of DOW Ethanolamines

Monoethanolamine Diethanolamine Triethanolamine
Formula H2NCH2CH2OH HN(CH2CH2OH)2 N(CH2CH2OH)3
Molecular Weight 61.08 105.14 149.19
Apparent Sp. Gr. at 20/20°C 1.017 1.092(a) 1.126(f)
∆Sp. Gr./∆t at 10 to 80°C 0.00080 0.00065(b) 0.00059
Boiling Point at 760 mm Hg, °C 170.4 259(c) 335(c)
at 50mm Hg, °C 101 182 245(c)
at 10mm Hg, °C 71 150 205
Vapor Pressure at 20°C, mm Hg <1 <0.01 <0.001
Freezing Point, °C(°F) 10.5 (50.9) 28.0 (82.4) 21.6 (70.9)(e)
Absolute Viscosity at 20°C, cP 24.1 — 921(f)
at 30°C, cP 16.2 380 404
Solubility at 20°C, % by wt
In Water Complete Complete(f) Complete(f)
Water In Complete — Complete(f)
Solubility in Organic Liquids
at 25°C, % by wt
Acetone Complete Complete(f) Complete
Benzene 0.6 0.03 2
Carbon Tetrachloride 0.1 0.01 Complete
Ethyl Ether 0.7 0.5 2
Heptane 0.1 0.03 <0.03
Methanol Complete Complete(f) Complete
Surface Tension, dynes/cm 48.3(d) 48.5(g) 48.9(d)
Refractive Index, nD20 1.4539 1.4747(g) 1.4852(f)
∆ND/∆t at 20 to 40°C per °C 0.00034 0.00027(b) 0.00020
Flash Point, °C (°F) 96 (205)(h) 191 (375)(h) 208 (407)(h)
(a) At 30/20°C (e) Supercools easily
(b) At 35 to 65°C (f) Supercooled liquid
(c) Extrapolated (decomposes) (g) At 30°C
(d) At 25°C (h) Determined by ASTM Method D 93,
using the Pensky-Martens Closed Cup

NOTE
This table sets forth typical properties of Monoethanolamine, Diethanolamine, and
Triethanolamine based upon analysis(ses) of commercial product or purified sample, etc.;
however, Dow does not analyze each shipment of product for all of these properties. Dow
warrants only that, at the time of delivery, product will conform to Dow’s standard specifica-
tions as then in effect.

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Figure 1
Vapor Pressure of Ethanolamines
Temperature, °F
70 90 120 160 200 240 320 400 480
1000
800
600
500
400
300
200
Vapor Pressure, mm Hg

100
80
60
50
40
30
20
Note: Ethanolamines begin
MEA DEA
decomposing at temperatures TEA
above about 200°C and can 10
undergo self-sustained 8
6
decomposition at temperatures 5
above 260°C. 4
3
2

1
20 40 60 80 120 160 200 240
Temperature, °C
Figure 2
Heat of Vaporization of Ethanolamines
Temperature, °F
150 250 350 450 550 650
440

410
MEA
380
Heat of Vaporization, Btu/lb*

350

320
DEA
290

260
*1 Btu/lb = 0.56 cal/g
TEA
230

200
50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Temperature, °C
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Figure 3
Specific Heat of Ethanolamines
Temperature, °F
40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 360
0.84
0.82
0.80
0.78
0.76 MEA
Specific Heat, Cal/g-°C

0.74
0.72 DEA
0.70
0.68 TEA

0.66
0.64
0.62
0.60
0.58
0.56
0.54
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Temperature, °C
Figure 4
Comparative Hygroscopicities of Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine from 75° to 80°F

100
80
60
DEA
40
Percent Gain in Weight at Equilibrium

TEA

20

10
8
6

1
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Relative Humidity, %
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Figure 5
Weight Percent Ethanolamine in Aqueous Solutions vs Normality of Solution

70
TEA
DEA
60
Amine, Percent by Weight in Solution

MEA

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 3 6 9 12 15
Normality of Amine Solution
Figure 6
pH of Ethanolamine Solutions

40

20
TEA, 99%
10 TEA,
Commercial
4
Amine, Percent by Weight

1
DEA
MEA
.4
.2

.1

.04

.02
.01
8 9 10 11 12 13
pH at 20°C
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Figure 7
Partial Pressure of Monoethanolamine in Aqueous Solutions at Various Temperatures
Temperature, °F
40 60 80 100 120
10
MEA
% by wt
Partial Pressure of Monoethanolamine, mm Hg

100
1 95
90

80
0.1
60
40
30
20
0.01
10
5

10 -3

10 -4
0 10 20 30 40 50
Temperature, °C
Figure 8
Vapor-Liquid Equilibria (T-x-y) of Aqueous Monoethanolamine Solutions at 760 mm Hg Absolute

180

170 340

160 320
Vapor Phase
150 300
Temperature, °C

Temperature, °F

140 280
130
260
120
240
110
220
100
Liquid Phase 200
90
180
80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Monoethanolamine, Percent by Weight
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Figure 9
Partial Pressure of Diethanolamine in Aqueous Solutions at Various Temperatures
Temperature, °F
60 80 100 120 140
0.1
DEA
% by wt
Partial Pressure of Diethanolamine, mm Hg

0.01 100
95

10-3 80

60

40
10-4
20
10
10 -5
5

10-6
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
Temperature, °C
Figure 10
Vapor-Liquid Equilibria (T-x-y) of Aqueous Diethanolamine Solutions at 760 mm Hg Absolute

275
495
255
Vapor Phase
235 455

215 415
Temperature, °C

Temperature, °F

195 375

175
335
155
295
135
255
115
Note: Ethanolamines can Liquid Phase 215
undergo decomposition 95
at temperatures above
approximately 200°C 175
75
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Diethanolamine, Percent by Weight
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Figure 11
Partial Pressure of Triethanolamine in Aqueous Solutions at Various Temperatures
Temperature, °F
120 140 160 180 200
0.1
TEA
% by wt
Partial Pressure of Triethanolamine, mm Hg

0.01 100
95

1 0 -3
80

60
1 0 -4
40
20
10 -5 10
5

1 0 -6

1 0 -7
45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Temperature, °C
Figure 12
Vapor-Liquid Equilibria (T-x-y) of Aqueous Triethanolamine Solutions at 760 mm Hg Absolute

380
360 680
340 640
320 600
300 560
Vapor Phase
280
520
Temperature, °C

Temperature, °F

260
480
240
440
220
200 400
180 360
160 320
140 280
Note: Ethanolamines can 120
undergo decomposition 240
at temperatures above 100
Liquid Phase 200
approximately 200°C 80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Triethanolamine, Percent by Weight
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Figure 13
Absolute Viscosity of Aqueous Monoethanolamine Solutions

100
Absolute Viscosity, Centipoise 60
40
20 1
10 2
6
4 3
2 4
1 30°C (86°F) 1
2 50°C (122°F) 0.6
3 75°C (167°F) 0.4
4 100°C (212°F) 0.2
0.1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Monoethanolamine, Percent by Weight

Figure 14
Absolute Viscosity of Aqueous Diethanolamine Solutions

1000
Absolute Viscosity, Centipoise

400
200 1
100
40 2
20 3
10
4 4
1 30°C (86°F) 2
2 50°C (122°F) 1
3 75°C (167°F) 0.4
4 100°C (212°F) 0.2
0.1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Diethanolamine, Percent by Weight

Figure 15
Absolute Viscosity of Aqueous Triethanolamine Solutions

1000
Absolute Viscosity, Centipoise

400
200 1
100
40 2
20 3
10 4
4
1 30°C (86°F) 2
2 50°C (122°F) 1
3 75°C (167°F) 0.4
4 100°C (212°F) 0.2
0.1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Triethanolamine, Percent by Weight

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Figure 16
Freezing Points of Aqueous Ethanolamine Solutions

60 140

120
40 100

80
20 Triethanolamine
Freezing Point, °C

60

Freezing Point, °F
40
0 Diethanolamine
20

-20 0

-20

Note: Freezing point data -40 -40

for 70% to 90%
Diethanolamine in water are Monoethanolamine -60
extrapolated -60
0 20 40 60 80 100
Ethanolamine, Percent by Weight
Figure 17
Specific Gravity of Aqueous Ethanolamine Solutions at 20/20°C

1.13
1.12
1.11
Triethanolamine
1.10
1.09
Specific Gravity, 20/20°C

Freezing
1.08 Point
1.07
1.06
Diethanolamine
1.05
1.04
1.03
1.02 Monoethanolamine

1.01
1.00
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Ethanolamine, Percent by Weight
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Figure 18
Weight per Gallon of Aqueous Monoethanolamine Solutions at Various Temperatures

9.2

Freezing Point Curve

9.0

0°F
8.8
30°F
Pounds per Gallon

60°F
8.6
90°F
120°F
8.4
150°F
180°F
8.2
210°F

8.0

7.8
0 20 40 60 80 100
Monoethanolamine, Percent by Weight
Figure 19
Weight per Gallon of Aqueous Diethanolamine Solutions at Various Temperatures

9.4
Freezing Point Curve
-20 °F
9.2 30°F
0 °F
60°F
9.0 90°F
120°F
Pounds per Gallon

150°F
8.8
180°F
210°F
8.6
240°F
8.4
Boiling Point
8.2

8.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Diethanolamine, Percent by Weight
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Figure 20
Weight per Gallon of Aqueous Triethanolamine Solutions at Various Temperatures

9.6
Freezing Point Curve
9.4 30°F
0°F 60°F
90°F
9.2 120°F
150°F
180°F
9.0 210°F
Pounds per Gallon

240°F
8.8

8.6

8.4
Boiling Point
8.2

8.0

7.8
0 20 40 60 80 100
Triethanolamine, Percent by Weight

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Figure 21
Specific Heats of Aqueous Monoethanolamine Solutions Temperature, °F
40 80 120 160 200 240
1.1
MEA % by Wt
1.0 0
Cal/g-°C

0.9 25

0.8 50
75
0.7
100
0.6
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Temperature, °C

Figure 22
Specific Heats of Aqueous Diethanolamine Solutions
Temperature, °F
40 80 120 160 200 240
1.1
DEA % by Wt
1.0 0
Cal/g-°C

0.9
25
0.8 50

0.7
75
100
0.6
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Temperature, °C

Figure 23
Specific Heats of Aqueous Triethanolamine Solutions Temperature, °F
40 80 120 160 200 240
1.1
TEA % by Wt
1.0 0
0.9
Cal/g-°C

25
0.8 50
0.7
75
0.6
100
0.5
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Temperature, °C

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FDA and EPA Status

Table 2 • Regulations Under Which Monoethanolamine is
Cleared for Use
FDA Regulation (21 CFR) Permitted Uses
173.315 Additive to flume water for washing sugar beets prior to the
slicing operation, at a level not to exceed 0.3 ppm.
175.105 Component of adhesives used in articles intended for
packaging, transporting, or holding food.
176.210 Formulation of defoaming agents used in the manufacture of
paper and paperboard prior to and during the sheet-forming
operation.
176.300 Adjuvant in the preparation of slimicides used as antimicrobial
agents to control slime in the manufacture of paper and
paperboard.
178.3120 Adjuvant in the production of animal glue.

Table 3 • Regulations Under Which Diethanolamine is

Cleared for Use
FDA Regulation (21 CFR) Permitted Uses
175.105 Diethanolamine, and diethanolamine condensed with animal or
vegetable fatty acids, as components of adhesives used in
articles intended for packaging, transporting, or holding food.
176.170 Boiler water additive in paper mill boilers used in the manufac-
ture of paper and paperboard intended for use in contact with
aqueous and fatty foods.
176.170, Adjuvant to control pulp absorbency and pitch content in the
176.180 manufacture of paper and paperboard in contact with
aqueous, fatty or dry food prior to the sheet-forming operation.
176.180 Diethanolamine and fatty acid (C12-C18) diethanolamides for use
as a component of the coated or uncoated food-contact
surface of paper and paperboard in contact with dry food.
176.210 Diethanolamine and certain fatty diethanolamides for use in the
formulation of defoaming agents used in the manufacture of
paper and paperboard prior to and during the sheet-forming
operation.
177.1200 Coconut oil fatty acid (C12-C18) diethanolamide, coconut oil fatty
acid (C12-C18) diethanolamine soap, and diethanolamine mixture
having total alkali (calculated as potassium hydroxide) of 16-18%
and having an acid number of 25-35 are cleared only as
adjuvants employed during the processing of cellulose pulp
used in the manufacture of cellophane base sheet.

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177.2260 Fatty acid (C10-C18) diethanolamide condensates for use in fiber

finishing of resin-bonded filters used in producing, manufac
turing, processing, and preparing food, as specified in the
regulation.
177.2600 Component of rubber articles intended for repeated use
(not to exceed 5% by weight of rubber product).
177.2800 Certain fatty diethanolamides for use in the production of, or as
a component of, textiles and textile fibers which are used in
contact with dry food.
178.3120 Diethanolamine and certain fatty diethanolamides for use as a
defoaming agent or other adjuvant in the production of
animal glue.
EPA Regulation (40 CFR) Permitted Uses
180.1001(d) Inert ingredient for use in formulations applied to growing crops
(restricted to pre-emergence use only)*.
*This EPA Regulation cross-references to FDA Regulations 182.99 and 582.99

Table 4 • Regulations Under Which Triethanolamine is

Cleared for Use
FDA Regulation (21 CFR) Permitted Uses
173.315 Additive to flume water for washing sugar beets prior to the
slicing operation, at a level not to exceed 2 ppm.
175.105 Component of adhesives used in articles intended for
packaging, transporting, or holding food.
175.300 Modifier for melamine-formaldehyde resins used as the basic
polymer in resinous and polymeric coatings applied as a contin
uous film or enamel over a metal substrate, or applied as a
continuous film or enamel to any suitable substrate, provided
that the coating serves as a functional barrier between the food
and the substrateand is intended for repeated food-contact use.
175.380 Modifier for melamine-formaldehyde resins used as optional
adjuvant substances in xylene-formaldehyde resins condensed
with 4,4’-isopropylidenedephenol-epichlorohydrine epoxy resins.
175.390 Modifier for melamine-formaldehyde resins used as optional
substances in zinc-silicone dioxide matrix coatings.
176.170, Adjust pH during the manufacture of amino resins permitted for
176.180 use as components of paper and paperboard in contact with
fatty, aqueous, and dry foods.
176.180 Component of the coated or uncoated food-contact surface of
paper and paperboard in contact with dry food.
176.200 Component of defoaming agents used in the preparation and
application of coatings for paper and paperboard.
176.210 Triethanolamine and certain fatty triethanolamides and soaps

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for use in the formulation of defoaming agents used in the

manufacture of paper and paperboard prior to, and during, the
sheet-forming operation.
177.1200 Modify melamine-formaldehyde resins for use as the basic
polymer in cellophane coatings and as resin to anchor coatings to
cellophane.
177.1210 Optional substance in the formulation of closure-sealing gaskets
and overall discs.
177.1680 Curing agent for polyurethane resins used as the food-contact
surface for dry bulk foods.
177.2260 Triethanolamine salt of fatty acids derived from animal or
vegetable fats and oils for use in fiber finishes for resin-bonded
filters used in producing, manufacturing, processing, and
preparing food, as specified in the regulation.
177.2600 Component of rubber articles intended for repeated use
(not to exceed 5% by weight of rubber product).
177.2800 Component of or added to textile and textile fibers which are
used as articles or components of articles which contact
dry food.
178.3120 Triethanolamine and certain fatty triethanolamides and soaps for
use as a defoaming agent or other adjuvant in the production of
animal glue.
178.3910 Component of surface lubricants used to facilitate the rolling of
metallic foil and sheet stock.
EPA Regulation (40 CFR) Permitted Use
180.1001(d) Inert ingredient for use in formulations applied to growing crops
(restricted to pre-emergence use only)*.
*This EPA Regulation cross-references to FDA Regulations 182.99 and 582.99

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Storage and Handling

Proper storage and handling will help maintain the quality of ethanolamine products. Under
normal conditions ethanolamines are considered to be thermally stable molecules and are
not corrosive to the proper containers. However, they are sufficiently reactive that upon
exposure to adventitious carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and oxygen, trace levels of
byproducts can form and increased color often results.
For storage and handling information contact your Dow representative. Ask for a copy of
booklet UC-1354, “Ethanolamines Storage and Handling.”

SAFETY NOTE — MONOETHANOLAMINE

Monoethanolamine in contact with iron can form a crystalline complex called
tris(ethanolamino)-iron. This compound can ignite when heated to 130-160°F (54-71°C) in
the presence of air. A fire is known to have occurred in a storage tank equipped with a
carbon steel heating coil using 150 psig steam. For internal steam applications, stainless steel
heating coils should be used; low-pressure steam is preferred for safety and product quality.

STORAGE TEMPERATURES
Ethanolamines require heated and insulated storage and transfer facilities. Ethanolamines
darken, however, at temperatures above 140°F (60°C).

Table 5 • Storage Temperatures for Ethanolamines

Approximate
Freezing Storage Viscosity, cP,
Point, °C (°F) Temperature, °F 30°C (86°F)
Monoethanolamine 10.5 (50.9) 65-100 15
Diethanolamine 28.0 (82.4) 95-120 380
Triethanolamine, Commercial 15.8 (60.4) 75-110 400
Triethanolamine, 99% 21.6 (70.9)(a) 85-110 400
(a) Supercools easily

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Shipping Information
For your convenience in ordering, Dow markets ethanolamines both direct and through an
effective network of distributors. Less than full tank car or tank truck quantities can be
delivered most rapidly through a Dow distributor. Consult your Dow representative for the
name of the distributor nearest you.
For delivery of large volume orders, ethanolamines are stocked in terminals throughout the
world.

Table 6 • Shipping Data for Ethanolamines

Monoethanolamine Diethanolamine Triethanolamine, Triethanolamine,
Commercial 99%

Pounds per Gallon at 20°C 8.47 9.10 (30°C) 9.37 9.38

Kilograms per liter at 20°C 1.015 1.088 (30°C) 1.123 1.124
Coefficient of Expansion 0.00081 0.00060 0.00049 0.00053
at 55°C, per °C
Flash Point, °C (°F)(a) 96 (205) 191 (375) 194 (382) 208 (407)
(a) Determined by ASTM Method D 93, using the Pensky-Martens Closed Cup

Specifications
Specifications for DOW Ethanolamines are available on request from your Dow sales
representative.

Product Safety
When considering the use of any Dow products in a particular application, you should
review Dow’s latest Material Safety Data Sheets and ensure that the use you intend can be
accomplished safely. For Material Safety Data Sheets and other product safety information,
contact the Dow sales office nearest you. Before handling any other products mentioned in
the text, you should obtain available product safety information and take necessary steps to
ensure safety of use.
No chemical should be used as or in a food, drug, medical device, or cosmetic, until the
user has determined the suitability and legality of the use. Since government regulations
and use conditions are subject to change, it is the user’s responsibility to determine that this
information is appropriate and suitable under current, applicable laws and regulations.
Dow requests that the customer read, understand, and comply with the information
contained in this publication and the current Material Safety Data Sheet(s). The customer
should furnish the information in this publication to its employees, contractors, and
customers, or any other users of the product(s), and request that they do the same.

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The Dow Chemical Company

Midland, Michigan 48674 U.S.A.

In the United States and Canada: call 1-800-447-4369 • fax 1-989-832-1465

In Europe: call toll-free +800 3 694 6367 • +32 3 450 2240 • fax +32 3 450 2815
In the Pacific: call +852 2879 7260 • fax +852 2827 5881
In Other Global Areas: call 1-989-832-1560 • fax 1-989-832-1465
Or visit us at www.dow.com

NOTICE: No freedom from any patent owned by Seller or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to
another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for
Customer’s use and for ensuring that Customer’s workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other governmental enactment.
Seller assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

Published November 2001.

*

*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company Form No. 111-01375-1101 AMS