Diethylethanolamine

Diethylethanolamine (DEAE) is the organic compound with the molecular formula (C2H5)2NCH2CH2OH. A colorless liquid, is used as a precursor in the production of a variety of chemical commodities such as the local anesthetic procaine.

Applications
Diethylethanolamine is used as a corrosion inhibitor in steam and condensate lines by neutralizing carbonic acid and scavenging oxygen.

Diethylethanolamine reacts with 4-aminobenzoic acid to make procaine.

DEAE is a precursor for DEAE-cellulose resin, which is commonly used in ion exchange chromatography.

it can decrease the surface tension of water when the temperature is increased.

Solutions of DEAE absorb carbon dioxide (CO2).

Preparation
Diethylethanolamine is prepared commercially by the reaction of diethylamine and ethylene oxide.


 * (C2H5)2NH + cyclo(CH2CH2)O → (C2H5)2NCH2CH2OH

It is also possible to prepare it by the reaction of diethylamine and ethylene chlorohydrin.

Safety
Diethylethanolamine is an irritant to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have set occupational exposure limits for workers handling the chemical at 10 ppm (50 mg/m3) over an eight-hour workday.