2-Morpholinoethanol shows up in a lot of chemical discussions as both a raw material and an intermediate. It carries the molecular formula C6H13NO2, with a molar mass of 131.17 g/mol. The IUPAC name points to its key structure—a morpholine ring bonded with an ethanol side chain. Chemical structure diagrams reveal a six-membered ring containing both nitrogen and oxygen atoms, and a two-carbon alcohol chain hanging off the ring. Each of these atoms matters: the oxygen gives it some polar bite, while the nitrogen offers spots for reactions in synthesis or for forming stable salts. This molecule stands out because it covers ground both as a base and as an alcohol.
At room temperature, 2-Morpholinoethanol usually appears as a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish liquid. If you touch the bottle, you’ll notice a density around 1.047 g/cm³ at 20°C, and the viscosity makes it easy to pour, not thick like some glycols. It doesn’t put out harsh fumes—its mild amine-like odor stays subtle but unmistakable. As a liquid, it's not volatile, but its low vapor pressure can be confirmed in standard laboratory charts. The boiling point sits near 248°C, which tells you it won’t evaporate quickly under normal working conditions. Water solubility proves high thanks to that ethanol group, so it mixes well in aqueous formulations—no clumps, no separation, just a clear solution. You see it this way in many scenarios: not hiding inside waxy flakes, solid powder, or crystal form, but showing up as a workable liquid.
Some references mention that 2-Morpholinoethanol can be delivered as a solution, often in containers measured by the liter. Here, storage safety matters. It is hygroscopic, so it loves to pull in water vapor from the surrounding air, and that calls for tight seals on storage vessels. The compound’s melting point drops well below room temperature, so you won’t see it in solid, powder, pearl, or flakes under regular laboratory conditions. Its refractive index, measured at 1.464 (20°C), lines up with other morpholine derivatives and helps technicians check for contamination or dilution quickly. Chemically, the molecule features both nucleophilic nitrogen and electron-rich oxygen, opening it up to diverse roles in syntheses or as a stabilizer.
The harmonized system code (HS Code) assigned for 2-Morpholinoethanol usually falls under 2921.19 for customs and international trade. This groups it with other oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds, and the code assignment determines how much paperwork, regulation, and tariffs traders must handle. The trade figures matter for developers of coatings, resins, and colorants—industries that depend on consistent purity and reliable sourcing.
Inside research labs and factories, you often find 2-Morpholinoethanol as a raw material for specialty chemicals. Its chemical backbone makes it great for synthesizing corrosion inhibitors for cooling system fluids, for dye intermediates, and for pharmaceuticals. The morpholine ring lends basicity, but the ethanol handle adds hydrophilic character, which means the compound can both stabilize suspensions and interact with other polar agents. Some users in the polymer industry use it as a catalyst or as a chain terminator, especially in polyurethanes or epoxy resins. It boosts the shelf life of products and can tighten up cross-linked networks in waterborne finishes. Thinking of how it moves through a supply chain, every kilogram poured from a drum will likely end up somewhere between batch synthesis and a final consumer item, from medical coatings to the lining of a paint can.
Safety comes up from two angles: its irritant properties and its handling precautions. GHS pictograms for 2-Morpholinoethanol highlight it as hazardous in contact with eyes and skin. Lab work or warehouse handling without gloves or goggles invites risk—contact can produce redness, burning, and delayed irritation. Inhalation, though less likely given the low volatility, can still cause respiratory discomfort or coughing in poorly ventilated areas. MSDS guidelines list it under categories for both acute toxicity and serious eye damage, with recommended exposure limits pegged by agencies like OSHA or NIOSH. Long sleeves, face shields, and proper ventilation will keep exposure to a minimum. Some research flags 2-Morpholinoethanol as harmful to aquatic life in concentrated discharges, so disposal channels need checks—dilute and neutralize before sending to effluent treatment systems.
Fire safety profiles tell an important story: 2-Morpholinoethanol flashes at around 127°C in closed-cup tests, which keeps it out of “flammable liquid” status under most regulatory frameworks, but open flames and hot surfaces near storage sites still demand respect. Reactivity data points to mild but real hazard: mixing with strong acids, strong oxidizers, or anhydride-forming agents invites violent reactions or off-gassing. Maintenance teams focus on corrosion resistance for storage tanks—a stainless or lined carbon steel tank does the job, but leaks or spills need to be washed up fast to avoid floor stains or equipment etching.
From my experience, a chemical’s value goes up when it solves a problem that other, simpler compounds can’t. 2-Morpholinoethanol fills gaps where dual functionality—hydrophilicity and basicity—are both necessary. Take its use in coating formulations—a resin tech might mix 2-Morpholinoethanol to adjust pH or to stabilize pigment dispersion in water-based systems. In legacy applications, older molecules struggle to keep up when regulations cut hazardous solvents from approved lists. 2-Morpholinoethanol lands below acute toxicity thresholds for many restricted substances, giving formulators a bridge to safer, greener chemistry. That doesn’t mean risks disappear. Responsible suppliers test for residual solvents, track purity lots, and provide up-to-date safety documentation to downstream users, as customer requirements keep tightening.
Chemical handling still poses challenges—stuff leaks, tempers flare, accidents happen after hours. The best improvements I’ve seen in the field come from two places: better training (think drills for warehouse teams, not just slide decks) and switching to smaller, more manageable packaging units for regular users. Real communication about hazards—backed by reliable labeling and multilingual safety sheets—cuts down on accidents and builds a culture of respect for the material. I recall one low-budget operation that reduced chemical injuries by swapping bulk drum decanting for closed, pump-driven dispensers, all thanks to one line worker who flagged a repeat burn injury in a safety meeting.
2-Morpholinoethanol threads through industries where adaptability matters, and its impact stretches from batch chemistry to global trade. The physical and molecular properties make it flexible, while its hazards and handling demands keep every user honest. Better supply chain practices, tighter safety policies, and continued research into alternatives promise to keep improving the practical experience of working with this raw material, for producers and end-users alike.
