Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a clear colourless liquid with a slight ammonia odour. It has a simple molecular structure containing a primary amine and an ethanol functional group. MEA is mainly applied in the desulphurisation of natural gas and coal gas, and in the synthesis of powerful detergents. it is also used as an intermediate in the production of vinylamine products.

Physicochemical properties

The basic physico-chemical properties of Monoethanolamine are shown below.

Biological activity

Monoethanolamine has antihistamine properties. MEA competitively binds to free histamine at the histamine (H)-1 receptor, thus acting as an inverse agonist, binding to and stabilising the inactive form of the H1 receptor, thus shifting the balance to an inactive state. This reduces the adverse symptoms associated with H1 receptor binding.

Applications

MEA is a common ingredient in floor and tile cleaners and laundry detergents to help remove dirt, grease and stains.MEA is used as a detergent or surfactant in personal care products and cosmetics. In these types of products, MEA helps remove dirt and grease from the skin by dissolving oils and mixing with other important ingredients. Because MEAs do not produce strong odours, they are often an ingredient in products such as hair dyes.MEAs help to regulate the pH of a product to prevent it from degrading when stored in containers, thus extending its useful life. In addition, MEA is used as a plasticiser and can be used by chemical manufacturing plants to remove carbon dioxide from ammonia gas when producing ammonia.

References:

[1] Monoethanolamine[J]. Definitions, 2020. DOI:10.32388/erm7m8.