Olamines

Olamines are organic compounds that contain both an alcohol (-OH) and an amine (-NH2, -NHR, or -NR2) functional group within the same molecule. The term is largely synonymous with amino alcohols and is used in some literature to describe this class of compounds, which includes a range of primary, secondary, and tertiary amine-containing alcohols.

Common examples include monoethanolamine (2-aminoethanol), diethanolamine, and triethanolamine. These compounds are typically produced on an industrial scale by reacting ethylene oxide with ammonia or with alcoholamines, a process that yields successive alkoxylated amines. They can also arise via hydroamination of alkenes or reductive amination of carbonyl compounds in specialized routes.

Olamines feature dual functionality: the basic, nucleophilic amine and the polar, hydrogen-bonding hydroxyl group. This combination often gives high water solubility and enables diverse reactivity, including formation of amides, esters, and various substitution or alkylation reactions. They can act as bases and as nucleophiles, and their reactivity is influenced by substitution on the amine and by the degree of alkoxylation.

Applications are broad. Olamines are used as intermediates in chemical synthesis, components of surfactants and detergents, and buffering or pH-adjusting agents in cosmetics and industrial formulations. Monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine also play roles in gas treatment for CO2 capture and in polymer and coating chemistries, where they act as crosslinkers or ligands.

Safety and handling vary by specific compound. Olamines can be irritants and corrosive; appropriate protective equipment and ventilation are recommended. Some derivatives have regulatory scrutiny related to health or environmental concerns, requiring risk assessments in consumer products.