Monoethanolamine

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Synonym(s)

2-aminoethanol; MEA

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

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.

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer