dihydroxyethyl

Dihydroxyethyl is a chemical functional group derived from ethanol by the addition of two hydroxyl groups. It is characterized by the presence of two -OH groups attached to an ethyl moiety. This structural feature imparts specific chemical properties, particularly its ability to form hydrogen bonds and act as a solvent or humectant. Commonly encountered dihydroxyethyl compounds include dihydroxyethylamines, such as monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA), which are widely used in various industrial and cosmetic applications. These compounds are formed by the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia. Dihydroxyethyl groups can also be found in more complex molecules, contributing to their solubility and reactivity. In organic chemistry, diols, which contain two hydroxyl groups, are a broader class of compounds, and dihydroxyethyl can be considered a specific type of diol structure. The presence of two polar hydroxyl groups makes these molecules soluble in water and other polar solvents.