Monoethanolamine (MEA)
Monoethanolamine is the simplest of the three ethanolamines in this part of our range, a long-established acid-gas (CO2/H2S) scrubbing amine and surfactant intermediate, carrying a harmonised EU corrosive classification we state plainly without an IARC carcinogen finding, since none exists for this compound.
What Monoethanolamine (MEA) is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the compound's chemistry, its place in the aniline-derivative family, and the grades Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Monoethanolamine (MEA) carries one amino group and one hydroxyl group on a two-carbon backbone, the simplest member of the ethanolamine family made from ethylene oxide and ammonia. IARC has not evaluated this compound, and we state that plainly rather than let the carcinogenicity findings for its close relative Diethanolamine elsewhere in this range bleed into MEA's own profile — the three ethanolamines have three separate, non-identical regulatory/toxicological profiles, and we keep them that way on each product page.
MEA is historically the benchmark industrial amine for acid-gas treating — CO2/H2S scrubbing in refineries and gas-processing plants — and remains named alongside Diethanolamine as one of the most commonly used gas-treating amines, though several sources note it is being progressively displaced by more selective amines such as MDEA in some newer installations. It is also a documented surfactant intermediate (via derivatives such as cocamide MEA) and a pH-adjusting/emulsifying component in metalworking fluids. We found weaker, less specific documentation of MEA as a cement grinding aid or in ethanolamine-salt herbicide formulations compared to its relatives Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine, and we do not claim those uses for MEA here.
Where it fits in the synthesis chain
We supply Monoethanolamine itself as a gas-treating amine and surfactant/metalworking-fluid intermediate. We do not manufacture or supply finished surfactants, gas-treating process equipment, or metalworking-fluid formulations.
Grades we supply
99%+ technical and gas-treating grades are both offered.
How Monoethanolamine (MEA) is made
An overview of the production route for orientation purposes. Our manufacturing partners' own process parameters and in-process controls are proprietary and are not disclosed beyond what is needed to interpret the certificate of analysis.
Monoethanolamine is made industrially by reaction of ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia under pressure, in the same reactor system used to co-produce Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine.
The mono/di/tri product distribution is controlled by the ammonia-to-ethylene-oxide molar ratio: excess ammonia favours MEA, while excess ethylene oxide shifts the distribution toward DEA and TEA.
The crude product is separated from its DEA/TEA co-products by fractional distillation, then tested for purity and colour before packing.
Three ethanolamines, three separate profiles -- kept that way
We want to be careful not to let findings for one ethanolamine leak into another's page just because they share a reactor and a family name. MEA has no IARC evaluation at all. Diethanolamine, elsewhere in this range, carries an IARC Group 2B classification based on its own animal data. Triethanolamine carries a separate IARC Group 3 (not classifiable) finding. These are three distinct compounds with three distinct toxicological histories, and we report each on its own page rather than apply a family-wide label.
Industries and processes that use it
Monoethanolamine (MEA) is consumed almost entirely as a synthesis intermediate. The four fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
Acid-Gas (CO2/H2S) Treating
Historically the benchmark industrial amine for CO2/H2S scrubbing in refineries and gas-processing plants, named alongside Diethanolamine as one of the most commonly used gas-treating amines.
Surfactant Intermediate
Used as a surfactant intermediate (via derivatives such as cocamide MEA) and as a pH-adjusting/emulsifying agent.
Metalworking-Fluid Component
Used as a corrosion-inhibiting pH buffer and emulsifier component in metalworking fluid formulations.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
Monoethanolamine's chemistry combines a basic primary amine (the active site in acid-gas scrubbing) with a hydroxyl group available for esterification or further derivatisation in surfactant chemistry.
Acid-gas absorption
The basic amino group reversibly binds CO2 and H2S, the basis of its use as a gas-treating absorbent, with the amine regenerated by heating in a stripper column.
Amide formation (surfactant chemistry)
Reaction with a fatty acid or fatty-acid derivative gives amide surfactants such as cocamide MEA.
Monoethanolamine (MEA) against its near relatives
Monoethanolamine, Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine are the three ethanolamines in this part of our range, sharing a manufacturing process but carrying three distinct hazard and regulatory profiles.
| Product | CAS Number | Typically Used In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monoethanolamine | 141-43-5 | Acid-gas treating; surfactant intermediate | The product on this page. Not evaluated by IARC. |
| Diethanolamine | 111-42-2 | Refinery gas treating; surfactant and metalworking-fluid intermediate | Also supplied -- see its product page. IARC Group 2B. |
| Triethanolamine | 102-71-6 | Cement grinding aid; cosmetic pH adjuster | Also supplied -- see its product page. IARC Group 3. |
Exact physical constants and purity specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide rather than a specification sheet.
Safety classification at a glance
Based on GHS classification as commonly listed for this substance. This is a summary for orientation only — always work from the current safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch.
Harmful if swallowed.
Harmful in contact with skin.
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Harmful if inhaled.
Danger
Monoethanolamine carries a harmonised EU CLP Annex VI entry (Index 603-030-00-8): Acute Tox. 4 oral/dermal/inhalation (H302/H312/H332) and Skin Corr. 1B (H314, which subsumes eye damage) -- signal word Danger. This is a legally binding harmonised classification, not a self-classification. IARC has not evaluated this substance; do not read any carcinogenicity implication from its ethanolamine relatives into MEA's own profile.
Keeping it on spec between delivery and use
General storage guidance for this grade. Site-specific storage rules, segregation requirements and re-test intervals should follow your own EHS procedures and the MSDS issued with your batch.
Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidisers and acids, consistent with a corrosive liquid. Note it solidifies below approximately 10.5 °C and may require heated storage/lines in cooler climates. Full PPE is recommended for all handling.
How it ships from Indonesia
Standard packing and export terms for this product. Confirm exact figures against your order — they vary slightly by destination and quantity.
What travels with every batch
Specification is agreed before the purchase order, not discovered on arrival. Every shipment of Monoethanolamine (MEA) leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay (by GC), isomer purity, melting point range and moisture, issued against the agreed specification so your QC team can check it, not just file it.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS-format SDS in English covering hazard classification, handling, storage, first-aid and spill response for the exact grade shipped.
Technical Data Sheet
Reference physical and chemical properties, recommended storage and typical applications, for internal circulation to your process or R&D teams.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms Indonesian origin for customs clearance and any preferential-duty claim at your destination port.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
UN packing group, classification and shipper's declaration prepared ahead of loading so documentation never holds up customs.
Third-Party Inspection
Independent pre-shipment inspection and re-sampling can be arranged on request, at your cost, for buyers who require it as a matter of policy.
Frequently asked questions
What buyers most often ask our sales desk about this grade.
01What is Monoethanolamine (MEA) used for?+
02What is the CAS number of Monoethanolamine (MEA)?+
03What purity grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
04Is Monoethanolamine (MEA) hazardous?+
05Is this compound a carcinogen?+
06Why does this product solidify sometimes?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10How is Monoethanolamine (MEA) manufactured?+
11What is the shelf life, and how should it be stored?+
Need Monoethanolamine (MEA) on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.