What is the difference between MEA, DEA and TEA?

The number of ethanolamine groups differs. MEA is the most basic and reactive of the three — pick by application.

Which grade for CO₂ capture?

≥99% MEA, often run as a ~30% aqueous solution with corrosion inhibitors.

Under nitrogen, in stainless steel; avoid copper, aluminium and zinc; prevent freezing (~10 °C).

How much CO₂ can an MEA solution carry?

Corrosion sets the practical ceiling well before the chemistry does. Operating loadings are generally held to around 0.35 mole of acid gas per mole of amine, with solution strength at 15 to 20 percent for gas treating, or about 30 percent in carbon-capture service with inhibitors.

Why is MEA regeneration considered energy-intensive?

Because the amine-CO₂ bond is strong and has to be broken with heat. Published figures for 30 percent MEA capture plants put the reboiler duty in the region of 3.2 to 5.5 GJ per tonne of CO₂. It is the single largest operating cost of an MEA capture unit, and the reason so much research targets alternative solvents.

Monoethanolamine (MEA)

CAS 141-43-5 C₂H₇NO

CAS number: 141-43-5
EC number: 205-483-3
Formula: C₂H₇NO
Molar mass: 61.08 g/mol
Appearance: Clear colourless to pale-yellow viscous liquid, ammoniacal odour; hygroscopic; freezes ~10 °C.
HS code: 2922.11

Monoethanolamine is the smallest and most reactive of the ethanolamines, carrying both an amine and an alcohol group on a two-carbon backbone. The amine end grabs acid gases, which is why a 30 percent aqueous solution is the reference solvent for post-combustion CO₂ capture and a long-standing choice for sweetening natural gas. The alcohol end keeps it water-soluble and makes it a feedstock for surfactants, emulsifiers and metalworking fluids. It is corrosive, absorbs CO₂ from the air, and freezes near 10 °C, so storage is under nitrogen in stainless steel. Ehlinar supplies gas-treating and general grades.

Applications

Gas treatingCO₂/H₂S acid-gas scrubbing (amine gas treating)

DetergentsSurfactants, emulsifiers and cleaning formulations

Water treatmentBoiler and cooling-water pH control and corrosion inhibition

IndustrialTextile/leather processing and cement grinding aids

IntermediatesAgrochemical and pharma intermediate

Grades & packaging

Commercial ≥99%, gas-treating grade, and low-freeze blends; also supplied as aqueous solutions.

200–210 kg drums
IBC
ISO tanks
Bulk (N₂-blanketed)

How we supply

Supplier documentation on request

Certificate of Analysis (CoA), lot-specific where available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS)
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Certificate of Origin / Certificate of Conformity

Quality assurance

Independent third-party inspection can be arranged on request, with the agency and scope agreed per trade. Representative samples can be requested for qualification, subject to supplier availability. We recommend incoming quality control against the agreed CoA.

Delivery & terms

Quoted on standard Incoterms (e.g. EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP) as agreed per trade. Delivery region, packaging and grade are confirmed per quote.

Documents and services above are subject to supplier availability and confirmed per quote; nothing here is an offer.

Typical / indicative values — not a binding specification

Property	Typical
Assay (commercial)	≥99%
Freezing point	~10 °C
Typical solution (CO₂ capture)	~30% aqueous, with inhibitors
Materials of construction	304/316 stainless — avoid copper, aluminium, zinc

Also known as

2-aminoethanol · Ethanolamine · 2-hydroxyethylamine · Colamine · MEA

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between MEA, DEA and TEA?: The number of ethanolamine groups differs. MEA is the most basic and reactive of the three — pick by application.
Which grade for CO₂ capture?: ≥99% MEA, often run as a ~30% aqueous solution with corrosion inhibitors.
How is it stored?: Under nitrogen, in stainless steel; avoid copper, aluminium and zinc; prevent freezing (~10 °C).
How much CO₂ can an MEA solution carry?: Corrosion sets the practical ceiling well before the chemistry does. Operating loadings are generally held to around 0.35 mole of acid gas per mole of amine, with solution strength at 15 to 20 percent for gas treating, or about 30 percent in carbon-capture service with inhibitors.
Why is MEA regeneration considered energy-intensive?: Because the amine-CO₂ bond is strong and has to be broken with heat. Published figures for 30 percent MEA capture plants put the reboiler duty in the region of 3.2 to 5.5 GJ per tonne of CO₂. It is the single largest operating cost of an MEA capture unit, and the reason so much research targets alternative solvents.

Enquire about Monoethanolamine

Related products

Figures and identifiers here are compiled from public references and provided for general information; they are indicative, not a specification. See all products.