[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, hazards of diethanolamine

Properties of diethanolamine

Diethanolamine (Diethanolamine,DEA), chemical formula C4H11NO2, is an organic compound with amine and alcohol functional groups. It appears at room temperature as a colorless to yellowish viscous liquid with a slight ammonia odor. Diethanolamine has a molecular weight of 105.14g/mol, a melting point of 28-30°C, and a boiling point of 268°C. It has good water solubility and hygroscopicity. Because its molecular structure contains two hydroxyl groups and an amine group, it has weak alkaline and hydrophilic, and can be miscible with a variety of organic solvents.

Use of diethanolamine

diethanolamine is widely used in many fields, the main uses include:

1. gas purification: Diethanolamine is commonly used in the desulfurization and decarbonization of natural gas and synthesis gas. It can effectively absorb acidic components in the gas, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), thereby purifying the gas and ensuring its quality and safety.
2. surface active agent: Diethanolamine is a key raw material for the production of a variety of surfactants, such as diethanolamine-based fatty acid soaps. These surfactants are widely used in detergents, cleaners and cosmetics, and have good detergency and lubrication effects.
3. Cement and concrete additives: As an organic grinding aid, diethanolamine can improve the strength and durability of cement and concrete and improve its working performance.
4. chemical synthesis intermediate: Diethanolamine is an important intermediate in the production of pesticides, dyes, drugs and rubber additives.

Upstream raw material of diethanolamine

the production of diethanolamine mainly uses the reaction of ethylene oxide and ammonia. The specific reaction process is that ethylene oxide reacts with ammonia to generate ethanolamine, and then further reacts to generate diethanolamine and triethanolamine. Its production process can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure and raw material ratio, to control the distribution of products. The quality and supply stability of the upstream feedstock is critical to the production of diethanolamine, thus requiring a reliable ethylene oxide and ammonia supply chain.

Downstream products of diethanolamine

diethanolamine has important applications in many fields, and its downstream products are diverse, covering the following main aspects:

1. detergents and cleaners: Diethanolamine-based surfactants are widely used in household and industrial cleaning products, with good detergency and lubricity.
2. Personal care products: Diethanolamine is used in the production of conditioners, shampoos and other personal care products to improve product flexibility and comfort.
3. gas treatment agent: Diethanolamine derivatives are widely used in acid gas treatment in the natural gas, petroleum refining and chemical industries.
4. Building Materials: Used to produce cement and concrete additives to improve the performance of building materials.

Storage method of diethanolamine

storage of diethanolamine requires consideration of its chemical properties and safety. The main storage methods are as follows:

1. container Selection: Diethanolamine should be stored in a corrosion-resistant closed container, such as stainless steel or carbon steel containers coated with anti-corrosion coating, to avoid contact with copper, copper alloy, and galvanized utensils to prevent corrosion and reaction.
2. Environmental conditions: The storage environment should be kept cool and ventilated, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature to reduce decomposition and evaporation loss. The optimum storage temperature is 10-30 ℃.
3. Protective measures: The storage area should be equipped with appropriate protective equipment, such as fire protection facilities, emergency sprinklers and eyewash devices, and anti-leakage devices to deal with possible leakage and fire accidents.
4. Identification and Management the storage container shall be clearly marked with the name, concentration and danger warning of diethanolamine. Strictly manage in-and-out library records to ensure safe operation.

Safety Precautions for Diethanolamine

due to the toxicity and corrosiveness of diethanolamine, it is necessary to pay attention to safety during use and storage:

1. personal Protection: Operators should wear protective clothing, gloves, goggles and face mask to avoid direct contact with diethanolamine on skin and eyes.
2. Ventilation equipment: The work area should be equipped with a good ventilation system to prevent the accumulation of diethanolamine vapor and reduce the risk of inhalation.
3. Emergency measures: In case of leakage, immediately treat with adsorption materials (such as sand and activated carbon) and clean the contaminated area. If contact occurs, rinse quickly with plenty of water and seek medical attention.

Market and Development Prospects

the market demand for diethanolamine has grown steadily, mainly benefiting from the following factors:

1. industrial Applications: With the increasing demand for industrial gas treatment, the application of diethanolamine in natural gas purification and flue gas desulfurization has broad prospects.
2. Personal Care & Cleaning Products the growing consumer demand has promoted the development of the surfactant market, and diethanolamine, as an important raw material, has increased market demand.
3. Improvement of building materials: As the demand for infrastructure construction and high-performance building materials increases, the application of diethanolamine in cement and concrete additives will continue to expand.

Because of its unique chemical properties and wide range of uses, diethanolamine plays a key role in many industrial fields. With the continuous development of related industries, its market demand and application prospects will continue to be optimistic. By optimizing the production process and improving storage management, it can further improve its market competitiveness and safety.