Monoethanolamine (MEA)

Product Overview

Monoethanolamine (MEA), identified by CAS 141-43-5, is a versatile amino alcohol that plays a crucial role in diverse industrial applications — it combines the properties of both a primary amine and an alcohol. This clear, colorless liquid with an unpleasant, ammonia-like odor is widely utilized as a chemical intermediate, surfactant component, and gas scrubbing agent. Alliance Chemical distributes high-quality MEA alongside our wider Alcohols collection to meet the rigorous demands of domestic manufacturing, processing, and refining operations across North America.

The chemical formula of Monoethanolamine is C2H7NO, and it carries a molecular weight of 61.08. Known systematically as 2-aminoethanol, this compound exhibits strong alkaline properties, which are particularly valuable in neutralization reactions and pH adjustment formulations. Alliance Chemical ensures that our MEA is sourced from reputable manufacturers and handled under strict quality control standards. This product is critical for applications ranging from agricultural formulations to gas treating in petrochemical plants, serving as a dependable solvent and reactive building block for numerous downstream formulations.

Why This Grade

Selecting the appropriate purity grade of Monoethanolamine is critical to the success of industrial chemical processing. Alliance Chemical provides this high-quality, pure-concentration MEA to guarantee stability and prevent contamination in sensitive processes. Utilizing an unrefined or off-spec grade of Monoethanolamine can introduce trace metal contaminants, water impurities, or secondary amines that interfere with reaction kinetics and degrade final product quality. For instance, in gas sweetening processes, trace impurities can accelerate equipment corrosion and cause excessive foaming, which drastically reduces the gas absorption capacity and leads to unplanned system downtime.

Buyers require this precise concentration to maintain exact stoichiometric ratios in chemical synthesis and formulation. If the purity of the amine drifts, the efficiency of neutralizing acidic components drops, resulting in incomplete reactions and waste generation. In agricultural chemical manufacturing, utilizing an incorrect concentration can cause phase separation in liquid herbicides or render the active ingredients unstable over time. By specifying our consistent, high-purity MEA, operators avoid these operational failures, ensure reproducible outcomes, and protect downstream equipment from the harmful degradation products associated with lower-grade alternatives.

Industrial Applications

• Acid Gas Scrubbing: MEA is widely used in gas sweetening processes to remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas streams.
• Surfactant and Detergent Manufacturing: Used as a key intermediate in the production of ethanolamides, which are vital components in liquid detergents and cosmetics.
• Agricultural Formulations: Acts as a neutralizing agent and stabilizer in the synthesis of herbicides and pesticides to improve active ingredient stability.
• Wood Preservation: Serves as an active component in wood treatment chemicals to prevent fungal decay and protect structural timber from wood-boring insects.
• Metalworking Fluids: Incorporated into lubricating oils and rust preventatives to neutralize acidic byproducts and provide corrosion inhibition on steel surfaces.

Hazmat & Shipping

Monoethanolamine is classified as a hazardous material due to its corrosive nature. It is shipped under the proper shipping name Ethanolamine, carrying the identification number UN2491, classified under Hazard Class 8, and assigned to Packing Group III. The signal word for this substance is Danger. The chemical has the potential to cause severe skin burns and eye damage, as indicated by hazard statements H302, H312, H314, and H332. Consequently, proper compliance with DOT hazardous material regulations is mandatory for all transport and receiving workflows.

Handling this regulated substance requires strict adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols keyed to its GHS classifications; GHS pictograms are not applicable according to the canonical transport classification. Personnel must wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and splash-resistant eye or face protection to prevent direct skin or eye contact. Because MEA can release irritating, ammonia-like vapors, adequate ventilation or respiratory protection is required during transfer operations to avoid inhalation. Our logistics network ensures that every shipment is packaged in compliant DOT-certified containers and transported by registered hazardous materials carriers.

Handling & Storage

Proper storage of Monoethanolamine is essential to prevent degradation and maintain chemical integrity. MEA should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, with storage temperatures ideally maintained between 50°F and 100°F to prevent freezing, as its melting point is 50.5°F. It is highly incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and copper, brass, or rubber, which it can rapidly attack and corrode. Suitable storage container materials include stainless steel or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Order & Documentation

Alliance Chemical is committed to providing seamless procurement and full documentation support for all industrial clients. We provide a comprehensive Safety Data Sheet (SDS) with every order to ensure safe handling and compliance in your facility. Our quality control team maintains complete traceability, and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request for every lot shipped. To secure your supply, please Order Monoethanolamine Online or Request a Quote for bulk volumes today.

Why Buy from Alliance Chemical

Since 1997, Alliance Chemical has supplied premium industrial chemicals from Taylor, Texas under CAGE Code 1LT50, with a COA and SDS included on every order. For industrial use only.