Dihydroxyethylamines

Di(hydroxyethyl)amines, also known as diethanolamines (DEAs), are a group of organic compounds characterized by the presence of two hydroxyethyl groups attached to a nitrogen atom. The most common and well-known member of this group is diethanolamine itself, with the chemical formula HN(CH2CH2OH)2. Other related compounds include triethanolamine, which has three hydroxyethyl groups, and monoethanolamine, with one.

These compounds are colorless, viscous liquids with a mild ammonia-like odor. They are soluble in water and many organic solvents. Diethanolamines are typically produced through the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia.

Diethanolamines have a variety of industrial applications. They are commonly used as emulsifiers, surfactants, and pH adjusters in products such as cosmetics, detergents, and personal care items. In industrial processes, they serve as corrosion inhibitors, gas sweetening agents to remove sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas, and as intermediates in the synthesis of other chemicals, including herbicides and pharmaceuticals.

While generally considered safe for their intended uses in diluted forms, diethanolamines can cause skin and eye irritation. Their use in certain consumer products has faced scrutiny due to potential health concerns, particularly regarding the formation of nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens, when DEA-containing products are used in conjunction with certain preservatives. Regulatory bodies in various regions have set limits on the concentration of DEAs allowed in cosmetic products.