Monoethanolamine is a colorless, viscous liquid, organic chemical compound also known as Ethanolamine with one primary amine and one alcohol group.

Monoethanolamine is mainly used in sweetening natural gas and coal gas, and as soap or amides in heavy-duty detergents. Monoethanolamine is also used in the production of ethylene amines. It is used as feedstock in the production of detergents, emulsifiers, polishes, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors, and chemical intermediates.

For example, reacting ethanolamine with ammonia gives ethylenediamine, a precursor of the commonly used chelating agent, EDTA. 

Monoethanolamine works as cleansing agents, or surfactants, in personal care products and cosmetics. In these types of products, Monoethanolamine helps remove dirt and oil on skin by dissolving grease and blending other essential ingredients. Because Monoethanolamine doesn’t impart a strong odor, they are commonly ingredients in products like hair dye. Monoethanolamine helps adjust the pH of a product to keep it from degrading when stored in a container so it will last longer.

Monoethanolamines are common ingredients in cleaning products like floor and tile cleaners, as well as laundry detergents. As surfactants in these products, Monoethanolamines help remove dirt, grease and stains.

Due to its emulsification properties, Monoethanolamine also can be used in industrial applications, such as chemical manufacturing and gas treating. In gas treating processes for refineries and natural gas streams, Monoethanolamine helps remove contaminants from gasoline.

Monoethanolamine acts as a plasticizing agent to help make plastic become pliable and soft. Chemical manufacturing plants use Monoethanolamine to remove carbon dioxide from ammonia gas in the production of synthetic ammonia.