Physical Properties
Grades & Packaging
Industrial Applications
Gas Treating
Acid gas scrubbing to remove H₂S and CO₂ from natural gas, refinery gas, and syngas streams. Used in amine treating units.
Surfactant Production
Feedstock for diethanolamide surfactants (DEA-based cocamide DEA) used in shampoos, detergents, and industrial cleaners.
Metalworking Fluids
Corrosion inhibitor and pH buffer in water-based metalworking fluids, cutting oils, and grinding fluids.
Cement & Concrete
Grinding aid and strength-enhancing additive in Portland cement production.
Chemical Synthesis
Intermediate for morpholine, ethyleneamines, and specialty chemicals. Reacts with fatty acids to form alkanolamides.
Textile Processing
Softening agent and pH adjuster in textile finishing and dyeing operations.
Safety & Regulatory
SDS and certificate of analysis available upon request. Note: DEA is a solid below 28 °C — heated storage and transfer equipment may be required.
Request a Quote for Diethanolamine
Bulk drums, totes, and tanker delivery across Texas and the Gulf Coast.
Get a QuoteDEA vs. Alternatives
Diethanolamine (DEA) is a versatile alkanolamine used as a gas treating solvent, surfactant intermediate, and pH adjuster. Here's how it compares to related alkanolamines.
| Attribute | DEA | MEA (Monoethanolamine) | TEA (Triethanolamine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Secondary alkanolamine | Primary alkanolamine | Tertiary alkanolamine |
| CO2/H2S Absorption | Good — moderate reactivity, lower degradation | Excellent — highest reactivity, more degradation | Selective for H2S — lower CO2 pickup |
| Vapor Pressure | Very low — less stripping loss | Low — some stripping loss | Very low — similar to DEA |
| Viscosity | Moderate — 351 cP at 20 °C | Low — 24 cP at 20 °C | High — 613 cP at 20 °C |
| Primary Use | Gas treating, surfactant intermediate, cosmetics | Gas treating, cement, personal care | Cosmetics, cement, metalworking fluids |
Industries We Supply DEA To
Natural Gas Processing
DEA is used in amine gas treating units to selectively absorb CO2 and H2S from natural gas streams, producing pipeline-quality gas and meeting sulfur recovery feed specifications.
DEA supply in Houston, TXPersonal Care & Cosmetics
Used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and foam booster in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and liquid soaps — reacts with fatty acids to form DEA-based surfactants.
DEA supply in Dallas, TXMetalworking Fluids
DEA is a component of water-soluble metalworking fluids and cutting oils, providing corrosion inhibition, pH buffering, and emulsification for machining operations.
DEA supply in Beaumont, TXTextile & Fiber Processing
Used as a softening agent, lubricant, and antistatic additive in textile finishing and fiber processing operations.
DEA supply in San Antonio, TX