Monoethanolamine

High-Purity Chemical Intermediate for Gas Treatment

CAS 141-43-5
Formula C₂H₇NO
Flash Pt 93°C
Density 1.012 g/cm³

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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property	Value	Unit
Boiling point	170.5°C	°C
Flash point	93°C	°C
Density	1.012 g/cm³	g/cm³
Solubility	Miscible with water	-
Ph	12.1 (0.1 M solution)	-
Molecular weight	61.08 g/mol	g/mol
Melting point	10.5°C	°C
Vapor pressure	0.5 mmHg at 20°C	mmHg
Autoignition temp	410°C	-
Appearance	Clear, colorless, viscous liquid	-
Odor	Amine-like	-
Vapor density	2.1 (air = 1)	g/cm³

Overview

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a clear, colorless, viscous liquid with the molecular formula C₂H₇NO and CAS number 141-43-5. This versatile chemical intermediate combines both amine and alcohol functional groups, making it an essential component in numerous industrial applications. With its high water miscibility and strong alkaline properties (pH 12.1 in 0.1 M solution), MEA serves as a critical building block in gas treatment processes, chemical synthesis, and manufacturing operations across multiple industries.

Key Applications

CO₂ Scrubbing: MEA is widely used in gas treatment facilities for removing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and industrial process streams, making it essential for gas purification operations.
Chemical Manufacturing: As a chemical intermediate, MEA plays a crucial role in surfactant synthesis, corrosion inhibitor production, and the manufacture of agrochemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates.
Laboratory Operations: MEA serves as a reliable laboratory reagent for analytical procedures, research applications, and quality control testing in various industries.

Safety & Handling

MEA has a flash point of 93°C and requires proper safety precautions during handling. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas as MEA has a characteristic amine-like odor and vapor density of 2.1. The autoignition temperature is 410°C, requiring standard fire prevention measures in storage and handling areas.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store MEA in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials, away from incompatible substances and heat sources. Maintain storage temperatures between 10.5°C and room temperature for optimal product stability. Keep containers in well-ventilated areas and protect from moisture and contamination. Check compatibility with storage materials as MEA's corrosive nature may affect certain metals and plastics.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides reliable supply of high-quality Monoethanolamine Mea with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS, LTL, and FTL to meet your delivery requirements. Every order includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Available Sizes

1 Quart

$21.36

1 Gallon

$45.60

5 Gallon Pail

$164.23

15 Gallon Drum

$456.31

55 Gallon Drum

$1,485.07

275 Gallon IBC Tote

$5,776.99

330 Gallon IBC Tote

$6,377.80

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is monoethanolamine (MEA) and what is it used for?

Monoethanolamine (MEA, CAS 141-43-5, formula C2H7NO) is a colorless, hygroscopic organic amine used industrially as an intermediate, solvent and corrosion inhibitor. Common uses include gas sweetening/CO2 removal, surfactant and detergent production, solvent and chemical synthesis, and laboratory reagent applications.

How should MEA be stored and what is its typical shelf life?

Store MEA in a cool, well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers away from acids and oxidizers and protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Shelf life depends on grade and storage but is typically 12–24 months; always verify the expiry on the certificate of analysis (COA).

What are the key safety and handling precautions for monoethanolamine?

MEA is corrosive and can cause severe eye and skin irritation and respiratory irritation; use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles/face shield, and local exhaust ventilation. In case of contact, flush affected areas with water and obtain medical attention if symptoms persist; consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed emergency measures.

How do different MEA concentrations affect its use?

MEA is supplied as concentrated anhydrous material (laboratory grade ≥99%) and as aqueous solutions; industrial applications frequently use 20–30% aqueous solutions for gas treating while other processes use 10–50% or custom concentrations. Higher concentrations increase amine strength and corrosivity and may require different materials of construction and handling precautions.

What documentation is provided with MEA shipments?

Typical documentation includes a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and shipping papers; additional regulatory or quality documents can be supplied on request. Review the COA for batch-specific purity and impurity data prior to use.

How is monoethanolamine shipped and what packaging options are available?

MEA is classified as a hazardous corrosive material in many jurisdictions and must be shipped per applicable dangerous goods regulations. Packaging options include drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), pails, and bulk tankers, with palletized small-pack options available for laboratory quantities.

What materials are compatible or incompatible with MEA?

MEA is generally compatible with stainless steels (e.g., 304/316), polyethylene and polypropylene, but can attack copper, brass, zinc and aluminum and may cause stress corrosion in some carbon steels under certain conditions. Select materials of construction based on concentration, temperature and presence of contaminants, and consult corrosion data for critical systems.

What are the key technical specifications for monoethanolamine?

Key specs include CAS 141-43-5, molecular formula C2H7NO and molecular weight 61.08 g·mol⁻¹; typical physical properties are a colorless liquid with a boiling point near 170 °C. Purity levels vary by grade (laboratory/ACS ≥99%, technical grades lower) and exact specifications such as water content and assay are provided on the COA.

Which industries and applications commonly use MEA?

Industries using MEA include oil & gas (amine gas treating/CO2 removal), surfactant and detergent manufacturing, chemical intermediates and specialty chemicals, water treatment and corrosion control, and laboratory research. It is also used as a building block for other amines, solvents and additives.

How can I purchase MEA and what should I expect for availability?

MEA is widely available from chemical distributors in lab, bulk and specialty grades; lead times depend on order size, grade and regulatory paperwork required for hazardous materials. When purchasing, confirm required purity, request SDS/COA, and verify packaging, delivery conditions and any local import or transport restrictions.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet

SDS / MSDS

Request COA

Certificate of Analysis

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

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Monoethanolamine

Physical & Chemical Properties