Monoethanolamine

CAS: 141-43-5

Overview

Monoethanolamine ( CAS 141-43-5 ), commonly abbreviated as MEA and also known as Olamine in cosmetic and pharmaceutical contexts, is a bifunctional compound combining amine and alcohol groups.

It serves as a pH regulator, surfactant intermediate, and gas treatment agent across multiple industries. Its ability to absorb acidic gases and neutralize formulations makes it a high-volume industrial chemical.

Demand is high across refining, personal care, and water treatment sectors. In natural gas and refinery operations, MEA is the active absorbent in amine gas sweetening units, selectively removing H₂S and CO₂ from process streams.

Personal care formulators use it to neutralize carbomer-based gels and adjust pH in creams, lotions, and hair products. In water treatment, MEA functions as a corrosion inhibitor and pH buffer in boiler and cooling water systems.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an alkalizing agent in topical and oral formulations, where controlled pH stability is a critical quality parameter. MEA is supplied as a clear liquid, typically at 99% purity.

This purity level is standard for industrial and technical-grade applications. Pharmaceutical and personal care buyers can source USP and BP grades with tighter purity and impurity specifications.

Bulk supply is standard in drums, IBCs, and isotanks for high-volume industrial procurement. These logistics options ensure reliable delivery for large-scale manufacturing and chemical processing facilities worldwide.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	10.3 °C
Boiling Point	170.8 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density	1.0180 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point	200 °F
Appearance	Ethanolamines can be detected by odor as low as 23 ppm. Monoethanolamine is a colorless, viscous liquid or solid (below 111C) with an unpleasant, ammonialike odor
Color	APHA: ≤15
Odor	ammoniacal odor
Form	Liquid
Water Solubility	miscible
Vapor Pressure	0.2 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.454(lit.)
pH	12.1 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P	-2.3--1.91 at 25℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS07 GHS02 GHS08 GHS06 Hazard Statements H227 Combustible liquid H228 Flammable solid H302 Harmful if swallowed H303 May be harmful if swallowed H311 Toxic in contact with skin H312 Harmful in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H318 Causes serious eye damage H332 Harmful if inhaled H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H370 Causes damage to organs H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H402 Harmful to aquatic life H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P233 Keep container tightly closed. P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P284 In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P403 Store in a well-ventilated place. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P342+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P361+P364 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	29221100
UN Number	2924
ADR Class	3
Packing Group	III
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Water Treatment Oil, Gas & Energy Personal Care & Cosmetics