2-Aminoethanol, often recognized as ethanolamine, belongs to the category of organic chemicals valued for its versatility across numerous industries. With a molecular formula of C2H7NO and a molecular weight of 61.08 g/mol, its chemical structure displays both an amine and an alcohol group, making it a handy building block in many chemical syntheses. Often found as a colorless, viscous liquid under ambient conditions, this material sometimes appears in alternative forms—flakes, solid, powder, or even crystalline pearls. In liquid states, it exudes a distinctive ammonia-like odor, a detail hard to miss in any laboratory or factory setting where it’s handled. HS Code for 2-Aminoethanol sits at 2922.11, outlining global trade and regulatory considerations. This chemical has become a staple raw material, driving processes in detergents, personal care, gas treatment, and pharmaceutical production.
Ethanolamine balances between polar and nonpolar traits, supporting its solubility in water and common organic solvents like ethanol and acetone. Density at 20°C reaches about 1.018 g/cm³—a number reflecting just how much space a liter of this liquid claims on the lab bench. Boiling point tends to hover close to 170°C, and the melting point lands near 10.3°C, so under standard temperatures, this chemical stays fluid. In solid or crystalline states, it reveals a white appearance that speaks to its purity. The pH in aqueous solution typically runs alkaline, with a simple test confirming its role in neutralizing acidic gases or as a pH adjuster. For folks in manufacturing, recognizing these traits helps with safe storage, handling, and mixing operations—especially since the material reacts strongly with acids and oxidizing agents. In personal experience, seeing a beaker of 2-aminoethanol absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide offers a vivid lesson in how reactive these small molecules can be.
Across chemical production floors, ethanolamine jumps between uses. Its surfactant-producing ability makes it a key factor in the formulation of soaps and detergents. In gas treatment, the material removes acidic gases such as hydrogen sulfide or carbon dioxide, thanks to its water solubility and basicity. Different grades target unique markets; technical grades fit into industrial cleaners and cutting fluids, while higher-purity versions find a home in pharmaceutical excipients or cosmetic preparations. Specifications for each variant center on purity, moisture content, iron, and heavy metal concentrations. Sourcing consistent lots helps ensure downstream product reliability, and many buyers focus on certificate of analysis reports to guarantee that what arrives matches published data.
Ethanolamine earns attention beyond its usefulness—hazard labels confirm the need for care. Classified as harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin, exposure risks include irritation to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Thermal decomposition may unleash toxic fumes. The material demands respect in storage, using containers rated for corrosive chemicals and tight seals to keep vapors from escaping. Ventilation and gloves, goggles, and lab coats become standard PPE for everyone in direct contact. I recall routine training sessions where emphasis on first aid and proper cleanup underscored that an accident-free site relies on both attention to detail and up-to-date safety protocols. Compliance with environmental regulations forms another layer, especially when disposing of larger volumes or processing residues.
2-Aminoethanol’s structure features a two-carbon backbone with an amine on one side and a hydroxyl on the other. This setup lets it act either as a weak base or moderate nucleophile in organic transformations. The molecule’s dual functionality explains its behavior in aqueous or non-aqueous reactions. It links easily to acids or alkylation agents, so it often ends up as a precursor for surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, or pharmaceuticals. The amine group absorbs carbon dioxide, creating carbamates—a process familiar to chemists developing scrubbers for gas streams. Specifying concentration in industrial blends becomes important, since over-concentration leads to equipment corrosion or hazardous exothermic reactions.
Alternatives to hazardous chemicals often make headlines, but ethanolamine’s broad utility keeps it in the industrial spotlight. Substitution with greener or less toxic amines represents one path, though often at higher cost or with limited supply. Engineering controls—such as scrubbers, sealed transfer systems, and well-maintained exhausts—minimize risks for workers and the surrounding community. Regular monitoring of storage tanks and pipeline joints catches leaks before they escalate. In research labs, small-scale use paired with detailed documentation ensures both traceability and compliance. For material handlers, investing in recurring training and updated personal protection offers lasting value. Policies encouraging responsible sourcing stand out; producers who certify low heavy-metal content, consistent purity, and transparent supply chains help protect end users and reinforce trust within the market.
In daily industry routines, 2-Aminoethanol acts as a dependable raw material, one that requires consistent oversight and respect for its properties. Its molecular structure and functional versatility support wide application that few chemicals can rival. Companies and technicians have a responsibility to balance production benefits with rigorous safety and environmental standards, ensuring both workplace safety and sustainable use of this valuable material.
