Monoethanolamine

Monoethanolamine (MEA), also called 2-aminoethanol, is a colourless, ammonia-smelling chemical compound from the group of alcohols and amines. MEA is used as a basic material in the chemical industry. MEA is the biogenic amine of the amino acid serine.

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is used:

• as a substitute for caustic soda in oven cleaners
• as additive in cooling lubricant
• in the dye industry
• as grinding aid for cement
• as additive in detergents and cosmetics (fatty acid derivative for detergents)
• as an intermediate product in the manufacture of surfactants
• in medicine

Monoethanolamine is classified as a contact allergen.