2-(Diethylamino)ethanol · DEAE · ≥ 99.5% commercial grade, LR and AR grades
N,N-Diethylethanolamine is a tertiary amino alcohol — two ethyl groups and one hydroxyethyl group on the nitrogen — used as a pharmaceutical building block, a neutralising amine for steam condensate, and the raw material for diethylaminoethyl esters and monomers. Chelora Amines supplies it worldwide to pharmaceutical, water-treatment, textile, coatings and specialty chemical plants across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, as well as throughout India, with a batch-wise COA and SDS on every dispatch.
72.07 + 15.12 + 14.01 + 16.00 = 117.19 g/mol
N,N-Diethylethanolamine, usually shortened to DEEA and also called DEAE or 2-(diethylamino)ethanol, is a tertiary amine with two ethyl groups and one hydroxyethyl group on the nitrogen. It is a strong base, miscible with water and most organic solvents.
It is a clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid with an amine odour, boiling at about 161 °C and staying liquid far below normal temperatures. Its flash point is about 50 °C, so DEEA is both corrosive and flammable — it ships as Class 8 with a Class 3 subsidiary risk.
DEEA is made by reacting ethylene oxide with diethylamine and purifying by distillation. It is a controlled chemical in several export-control regimes, so supply is business to business against a stated industrial end use — routine for a properly documented supplier.
| Chemical name | 2-(Diethylamino)ethanol (N,N-diethylethanolamine) |
| Common synonyms | N,N-Diethylethanolamine, DEEA, DEAE, diethylaminoethanol, 2-diethylaminoethanol |
| CAS number | 100-37-8 |
| EC / EINECS number | 202-845-2 |
| HS / HSN code | 2922 19 (harmonised heading used worldwide; HSN 2922 19 on Indian invoices) |
| Molecular formula | C₆H₁₅NO ((C₂H₅)₂NCH₂CH₂OH) |
| Molecular weight | 117.19 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odour | Amine-like |
| Melting / freezing point | About −70 °C |
| Boiling point | About 161 °C |
| Density | About 0.884 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Solubility in water | Completely miscible |
| Flash point | About 50 °C (closed cup) — flammable liquid |
| Auto-ignition temperature | About 260–320 °C |
| UN number | UN 2686, 2-Diethylaminoethanol, Class 8, subsidiary risk 3, Packing Group II |
Figures are typical literature values for orientation. Values for the material you order are stated on its Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet.
A tertiary nitrogen and a free hydroxyl explain what DEEA is used for: carrying a diethylaminoethyl group into a molecule, neutralising acids and raising condensate pH, without reacting at the nitrogen.
The hydroxyl reacts with acid chlorides and esters to give diethylaminoethyl esters — the structural motif of several local anaesthetics and other drugs.
RCOCl + DEEA → RCOOCH₂CH₂N(C₂H₅)₂Reacts with methyl methacrylate to give diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA), used in cationic and pH-responsive polymers.
MMA + DEEA → DEAEMA + MeOHDistils with steam and neutralises carbonic acid in condensate, reducing corrosion in steam lines.
R₃N + H₂CO₃ → R₃NH⁺ HCO₃⁻The nitrogen reacts with alkylating agents to give quaternary ammonium compounds for softeners and antistatic agents.
R₃N + R′X → R₃N⁺R′ X⁻Mops up acids generated in reactions without forming amides.
R₃N + HCl → R₃NH⁺Cl⁻Neutralises acid-functional binders in waterborne coatings, with lower volatility than DMEA.
binder–COOH + DEEA → saltThe chloride derivative attaches a diethylaminoethyl group to oxygen or nitrogen in pharmaceutical synthesis.
R–OH + DEAE-Cl → R–OCH₂CH₂NEt₂Ester and amide derivatives are quaternised into textile softeners and emulsifiers.
ester + quaternisation → softenerProcess notes. DEEA is flammable as well as corrosive: earth and bond equipment, keep ignition sources away and use flammable-liquid storage. Esterification and quaternisation are exothermic. Keep drums closed to avoid moisture and CO₂ pick-up.
Discuss your processPractically all commercial DEEA comes from the same route. Knowing how it is made explains why the specification controls water, colour and related amines.
Ethylene oxide is fed into diethylamine, with a slight excess of amine.
The exothermic reaction runs under pressure and controlled temperature.
The reactor delivers DEEA with small amounts of higher ethoxylates, unreacted diethylamine and water.
Diethylamine is recovered and recycled, and distillation purifies the DEEA.
DEEA is tested for purity, water and colour, then filled into UN drums, totes or tankers under nitrogen.
The real quality question is "what else came with it". Water interferes with acid chloride and transesterification steps; residual diethylamine is a secondary amine that can form amides or nitrosamines; higher ethoxylates change reactivity.
For pharmaceutical synthesis, tighter limits on water, diethylamine and colour are common. If your step is sensitive, say so at enquiry stage and we will quote against your specification.
In sealed original packing, stored cool and away from heat and ignition sources, DEEA is normally used within twelve months, and we recommend a re-check of assay, water and colour after that before a critical batch.
Keep drums closed between draws and blanket bulk tanks with nitrogen. A retained sample of each batch is held here, so any query can be tested against the original.
Tell us the application and we will confirm the grade. Commercial grade covers water treatment, coatings and softeners; a high-purity grade suits pharmaceutical synthesis.
The everyday grade for condensate treatment, coatings, softeners and monomers.
Tighter limits on water, diethylamine and colour for pharmaceutical intermediates.
Tighter limits for R&D, method development and QC use.
| Parameter | Test method | Typical specification |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visual | Clear liquid, free from suspended matter |
| Purity (DEEA) | GC | ≥ 99.5 % w/w |
| Diethylamine | GC | ≤ 0.1 % w/w |
| Water | Karl Fischer | ≤ 0.2 % w/w |
| Colour | APHA | ≤ 15 |
| Density at 20 °C | Densitometer | 0.882 – 0.886 g/cm³ |
Indicative specification for planning. The controlling document is the Certificate of Analysis issued for your batch. If your process needs tighter limits, say so at enquiry stage and we will quote against your specification.
DEEA and DMEA are close neighbours. The ethyl groups on DEEA make it heavier, slightly less volatile and the right choice when your target molecule needs a diethylaminoethyl group.
| Point of comparison | DEEA | DMEA |
|---|---|---|
| Group delivered to a molecule | Diethylaminoethyl | Dimethylaminoethyl |
| Best suited to | Pharma esters, condensate treatment, DEAEMA, softeners | Waterborne coatings, polyurethane catalysts, DMAEMA, flocculants |
| Boiling point | About 161 °C | About 134 °C |
| Flash point | About 50 °C | About 39 °C |
| Molecular weight | 117.19 | 89.14 |
| Transport | UN 2686, Class 8 (3), PG II | UN 2051, Class 8 (3), PG II |
The alkylethanolamines are made by adding ethylene oxide to methylamine, dimethylamine or diethylamine instead of ammonia. The alkyl groups on the nitrogen change basicity, volatility, flammability and what the amine can still react with.
| Property | N-Methylethanolamine (NMEA) | N,N-Dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) | N,N-Diethylethanolamine (DEEA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS number | 109-83-1 | 108-01-0 | 100-37-8 |
| Formula | CH₃NHCH₂CH₂OH | (CH₃)₂NCH₂CH₂OH | (C₂H₅)₂NCH₂CH₂OH |
| Molecular weight | 75.11 | 89.14 | 117.19 |
| Amine class | Secondary — one N–H bond | Tertiary — no N–H bond | Tertiary — no N–H bond |
| Boiling point | About 158 °C | About 134 °C | About 161 °C |
| Freezing point | About −5 °C | About −59 °C | About −70 °C |
| Flash point (closed cup) | About 72 °C | About 39 °C | About 50 °C |
| Transport | UN 2735, Class 8, PG III | UN 2051, Class 8 (3), PG II | UN 2686, Class 8 (3), PG II |
| Typical outlets | Pharma and agro intermediates, gas-treating blends, softeners | Waterborne coatings, polyurethane catalysts, DMAEMA monomers, boiler treatment | Pharma intermediates, steam-condensate treatment, DEAEMA monomers, softeners |
Similar names, different products. NMEA, DMEA and DEEA are often confused with each other and with MEA, DEA or MDEA (N-methyldiethanolamine). DMEA is also sold as DMAE or deanol, and DEEA as DEAE. Always write the full chemical name, the CAS number and the grade on the enquiry and on the purchase order.
See the full amine rangeDEEA is a specialty amine: most goes into pharmaceutical synthesis, steam-condensate treatment, monomers and softeners. Here is the full picture, sector by sector.
A building block for drugs that carry a diethylaminoethyl ester or ether, including several local anaesthetics and antispasmodics.
A neutralising amine that travels with steam and raises condensate pH to limit corrosion.
The raw material for diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, used in cationic, pH-responsive and coating polymers.
An intermediate for quaternary softeners, antistatic agents and finishing auxiliaries.
Used to make amine-ester emulsifiers and cationic surfactants.
A neutralising amine and curing aid in waterborne coatings and resins.
Used in corrosion-inhibitor packages for process and cooling systems.
A starting material for ion-exchange resins, catalysts and specialty amines.
If you are mapping a value chain or looking for the product one step down from where you are, this is where N,N-diethylethanolamine ends up. Several of these are chemicals we can also source for you.
| Derivative | Made by | End use |
|---|---|---|
| Diethylaminoethyl esters | Esterification with acid chlorides or esters | Local anaesthetics and other pharmaceutical actives |
| Diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) | Transesterification with methyl methacrylate | Cationic and pH-responsive polymers, coatings |
| 2-Diethylaminoethyl chloride | Chlorination of the hydroxyl | Alkylating intermediate for pharmaceuticals |
| Quaternary softeners | Esterification then quaternisation | Textile softeners and antistatic agents |
| Condensate treatment blends | Blending with other neutralising amines | Boiler and steam-system corrosion control |
Looking for one of these rather than the amine itself? Ask us — several are within our sourcing network, and we can quote the derivative and the raw material together.
Every container carries the Chelora Amines label with product name, grade, net weight, batch number, manufacturing date, UN number where applicable and hazard pictograms.
UN-approved steel drums suitable for flammable, corrosive liquids.
UN-approved totes for regular users, with earthing points.
500 mL to 25 L packs for laboratory, pilot and qualification work.
ISO tanks for high-volume users on request.
Share your monthly consumption, the application and your flammable-liquid storage capacity, and we will recommend the grade, pack size and delivery schedule that keeps your plant running without excess inventory. Export consignments are packed in UN-specification or export-grade containers, palletised and stretch-wrapped, and shipped FOB, CIF or CFR through Nhava Sheva and Mundra.
Plan my supplyN,N-Diethylethanolamine is a flammable liquid that causes severe skin burns and eye damage and is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin. The notes below are a summary for planning only — always work to the Safety Data Sheet supplied with your consignment and your own site risk assessment.
DEEA ships as Class 8 corrosive with a Class 3 flammable subsidiary risk, and it appears on chemical export-control lists in several jurisdictions. Both are routine for us, but they shape what we need from you before a first shipment moves.
| Item | Classification |
|---|---|
| Proper shipping name | 2-Diethylaminoethanol |
| UN number | UN 2686 |
| Hazard class | Class 8, subsidiary risk 3 |
| Packing group | II |
| Labels | Corrosion and flame pictograms |
| Modes | Road, sea (IMDG) and air within dangerous goods quantity limits |
| Export control | Listed on chemical export-control lists in several jurisdictions — end-use declaration and, for some destinations, a licence |
N,N-Diethylethanolamine is an export-controlled chemical in a number of jurisdictions. We supply it only against verified company credentials and a stated industrial end use, and we decline enquiries that cannot be tied to a legitimate manufacturing or research process. Tell us the destination at enquiry stage and we will confirm any licence needed before the shipment is booked.
Start account opening| Parameter | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear liquid | Complies |
| Purity (GC) | ≥ 99.5 % | Complies |
| Diethylamine | ≤ 0.1 % | Complies |
| Water (KF) | ≤ 0.2 % | Complies |
| Colour (APHA) | ≤ 15 | Complies |
N,N-Diethylethanolamine is checked before dispatch and each consignment leaves with the paperwork your QC, stores and accounts teams need on day one.
The numbers on a Certificate of Analysis are only useful if you know how they were produced. These are the methods behind the figures on ours, and the checks worth repeating at your own goods-inward.
Separates N,N-diethylethanolamine from the related amines made in the same reactor, and gives the assay and impurity profile that matter most to your formulation.
An independent check on total amine content, useful as a quick goods-inward confirmation before a drum is released to production.
Water determination, which matters for anhydrous grades and confirms strength on aqueous grades.
A visual platinum–cobalt comparison. A rising colour value is the earliest sign that a pack has been exposed to air, heat or held too long.
Fast confirmation that the material is what the label says, and a simple way to spot dilution or the wrong pack.
Confirms the boiling range is tight around 161 °C, which flags light or heavy contaminants before a drum is released.
A sample from every dispatched batch is held here, so a query months later can be settled against the original material rather than an argument.
Batch number on the label ties back to the COA, the test record and the supply lot, which is what your auditor will ask to see.
Where your customer or regulator needs an independent result, we can arrange analysis at a NABL-accredited laboratory before dispatch.
Five steps for a first order of N,N-diethylethanolamine. Repeat orders follow the same route on a schedule that matches your consumption.
Grade, quantity, pack size and delivery location or destination port.
We confirm the grade for your application and quote, usually within 24 hours.
The batch is tested and the COA, SDS and invoice details are prepared.
Labelled packs move by road, or in export packing for overseas buyers.
Material reaches your gate and repeat dispatches are scheduled to your usage.
N,N-Diethylethanolamine is a commodity on a price list. What separates suppliers is grade flexibility, the paperwork and the answer you get when something is not routine.
N,N-Diethylethanolamine sits alongside more than fifty other amines we stock, from ethanolamines to fatty amines. Your purchase team raises one enquiry, compares one quote and manages one vendor record instead of six.
Different purities and supply forms of N,N-diethylethanolamine are available, so you are not forced to redesign a formulation around the only grade your supplier happens to carry.
COA, SDS, correct HSN and HS codes, transport declarations and certificates of origin are prepared with the consignment, not chased afterwards by your logistics team.
Tell us your limits on purity, related amines, water or colour and we quote against them, rather than sending the standard cut and letting your QC department find out.
Once we know your monthly draw we hold and release material on a schedule, so you carry less inventory than you otherwise would.
Describe the application rather than the product code and we will tell you which grade fits — and say so plainly when a different amine would serve you better.
Buyers who order N,N-diethylethanolamine usually source these from the same list. Open any product for its specification, grades and packing, or see the full product range.
Container shipments to buyers on five continents, plus road dispatch inside India. Tell us your country and destination port and we will quote landed terms, transit time and the documentation your customs broker will ask for.
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.
Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Türkiye, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and the Caribbean, shipped in UN-specification packaging with full DG documentation.
| Incoterms quoted | EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF and DAP, depending on your destination and preference |
| Load ports | Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with Chennai and Kolkata used for eastbound routings |
| Container options | Full container loads, and consolidated LCL shipments for smaller quantities |
| Typical container fill | Around 80 drums of 200 kg, or roughly 18 to 20 IBC totes, in a 20 ft container |
| Packing for export | UN-specification drums and totes, palletised, strapped and stretch-wrapped, with DG labelling |
| Air freight | Possible for small quantities, within dangerous goods limits where the product is classified |
| Payment terms | Advance, irrevocable letter of credit or agreed credit terms for established accounts |
| Before first shipment | Company credentials, end-use declaration and any import permit the destination country requires |
Most delays in quoting N,N-diethylethanolamine come from a missing line in the enquiry, not from availability. Send these eight details and a firm price usually comes back the same day.
Not sure of some of it yet? Send what you have. A description of the application and an approximate monthly volume is enough for us to come back with a recommended grade, a pack plan and an indicative price.
Send an enquiryPlain definitions of the words that appear on a N,N-diethylethanolamine specification, label and shipping document.
Short answers to what purchase, plant and QC teams ask us most about this product. Anything else, ask us directly.
Send the grade, quantity, pack size and your delivery address or destination port. We come back with a price, the documents that go with the batch and a dispatch or shipping plan, usually within 24 hours.